Probably no player in Europe gets fans more excited than Athletic Club and the Spain star Nico Williamswhich is available for right 58 million euros, due to the release clause in his contract. He has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, while Barcelona have also courted him.
The Blaugrana have made their interest known to their agents for some time, even before he signed his latest contract at the end of last year. Meanwhile in 2024, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have internally discussed Williams as an option. The former are apparently willing to pay his release clause, while Chelsea offer to double or triple his salary.
However Sport say that everything can be in vain. Williams is aware that Barcelona can be an opportunity that comes only once, and if they can make a deal, then he will take the chance to join his friends from the Spanish national team.
Philogene prioritizes going to a Premier League club and has offers from Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Everton. @Fabrizio Romano
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 4, 2024
His preference is to stay in Spain, despite interest from the Premier League and Paris Saint-Germain. With Athletic Club entering the Europa League next season, and the final taking place in San Mames, the prospect of a historic season is on the mind. The 21-year-old was at pains to point out that he is happy in Bilbao, and he likes to play with his brother in his childhood club. If Barcelona activates his release clause, he will go there, if not, he will reject other offers to stay at Athletic.
This report should be taken with a pinch of salt – Williams has openly stated that he is not thinking about his future, as he is concentrating on Euro 2024. He told his agents that they do not come to him with any discussion of transfer. That being said, it has been confirmed that his preference is to play in La Liga next season. Whether he can resist the huge pay packages that PSG and the Premier League are offering remains to be seen.
