It is no longer a secret. We have known since last week that FC Barcelona made Nico Williams his priority to the position of left winger to strengthen this summer. The Luis Diaz (Liverpool) tracks, too expensive, Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), too uncertain, and Ivan Perisic (end of contract at the PSV), not prestigious enough, are now relegated to the second row. All efforts are focused on the 2024 European champion, with whom a pre-agreement was found, according to our information.
It was also after the Euro that Barça began to knock on the door of the Basque club. The Leones did not appreciate the little media game played by the Blaugranas at all. They filtered information in the press to put pressure on the management of Bilbao and accept that she lets her best player spin. He had finally remained for the simple reason that Barça could not pay the € 58 million in his release clause.
Athletic always has a tooth against Barça
It looks still complicated for this summer, but not impossible. It will be necessary to make at least a good sale because at the same time, Joan Laporta and his team have just signed a check for € 25 million corresponding to the amount of the Joan Garcia clause at Espanyol. After Marca And sport, a solution could come from Athletic if the club agreed to get paid in several times. But as the two media recall, there is no question of Jon Uriarte, the Basque President, still scalded by last year's episode.
The latter began to mourn Nico Williams, under contract until 2027, which he still hoped to extend at the beginning of last week, and to increase his release clause. On the other hand, it is out of the question for him to arrange the Barcelona. If they want the 22-year-old player, you will have to pay the € 58 million at once and it is non-negotiable rather than a staggered payment. As for Joan Garcia. LAPORTA, who promised on Wednesday another imminent arrival after the goalkeeper, must quickly find a solution, if possible before July 14, date of resumption of training at Athletic.
