Athletic Club’s electrifying winger, Nico Williams, has thrown his weight fully behind a move to FC Barcelona, dealing a blow to Bayern Munich’s pursuit, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Nico Williams leans toward Barca: Bayern’s hopes take a hit
Sources confirm that Williams, 22, has made a clear request: he wants Camp Nou. His camp conveyed a firm message to Barcelona—they’re “open to joining the club this summer”.
Meanwhile, Bayern’s board member Max Eberl denied being aware of any such discussions after the German side’s record-breaking Club World Cup performance, joking: “I don’t know anything about that”.
Despite Bayern’s determination, including at least two meetings with Williams’s representatives and a commitment to his release clause, the Spanish playmaker’s preference for Barcelona looms large.
The sticking points now aren’t the clause—set around €58–62 million—but Barcelona’s ability to structure its finances amid La Liga’s tight purse strings.
Payments, salary packages, and commission fees all hang in the balance. Barcelona’s first priority remains Luis Diaz of Liverpool, who reportedly commands a higher fee.
Only if Diaz slips through might Williams step up as Plan B—though the Catalan club has taken steps, including a recent meeting between Williams’s agent and sporting director Deco, to explore the wing-forward position.
While athletic director Laporta previously voiced concerns about Williams’s close ties with Barcelona’s young squad—fearing “amiguismo” could disrupt dressing-room dynamics—it seems those worries are now outweighed by his youthful spark.
As things stand, Williams remains patient, fully ready to turn down lucrative offers from Bayern, Arsenal, and Chelsea—his heart is set on Barcelona.
Yet until Barça formally tables an offer that meets his release clause and navigates financial fair play rules, the race remains very much alive.
