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Barcelona are set to beat their eternal rivals, Real Madrid, to a major signing
Nico Williams has reportedly rejected an approach from Real Madrid and is now edging closer to a high-profile move to Barcelona.
According to Catalunya Radio, the Spanish winger is fully focused on a transfer to Camp Nou, with Barcelona preparing to trigger his €58 million release clause.
Clear path for Williams at Barcelona
Real Madrid may be Europe’s elite, but for Nico Williams, a move to the Bernabéu never made much sense.
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The 21-year-old winger operates primarily on the left flank, a position that’s already overflowing at Madrid with Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappe all jostling for space, and the links with Madrid fizzled out almost as quickly as they emerged.
At Barcelona, however, the path is clearer. Nico would only face competition from Raphinha, who typically plays on the right, giving the young Basque attacker a legitimate shot at starting regularly.
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After rejecting Barça’s advances last summer due to concerns over registration guarantees, Williams seems more confident this time around, even as financial complications persist on the Catalan side.
Barcelona’s second attempt comes with new hope
Last summer, Barcelona pivoted to Dani Olmo after Williams hesitated. This time, though, Nico is not making the club jump through the same hoops.
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Having enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 season with Athletic Club, netting 11 goals and helping them reach the Europa League semi-finals, Williams looks ready for the next step.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made him the club’s top priority, although the financial headache of depositing his entire €58 million release clause in one go remains.
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Athletic Club have reportedly refused any instalment payment, complicating matters. Still, with Nico no longer reluctant and Barcelona pushing hard, the pieces may finally fall into place for this long-anticipated move.
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