In a move that has flown largely under the radar, Barcelona may have taken a significant yet understated step in reshaping their attacking options this summer. Behind closed doors, the club recently held a discreet meeting with a prominent agent—one whose client has long been admired by the Catalan giants.
While Barcelona had previously signaled a shift in focus toward other high-profile names, including Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, new developments suggest that the narrative may not be as straightforward as it once seemed. Sources close to the situation confirm that sporting director Deco was directly involved in the recent discussions, seeking clarity on a matter that many believed had been shelved.
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It now emerges that the subject of this renewed dialogue is none other than Nico Williams, the dynamic 22-year-old winger from Athletic Club. After a failed pursuit last summer, Barça appeared to have stepped back—only for interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich to intensify. Yet Barcelona’s latest approach indicates that the door may never have been fully closed.
Despite the €62 million release clause attached to Williams and the club’s ongoing financial balancing act, there are signs of flexibility. While the winger reportedly asked Bayern for a contract worth €20 million, insiders suggest he is willing to consider the €12 million deal previously proposed by Barcelona, revealing a possible preference for life in Catalonia.
Fueling speculation further, Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal—known to share a close bond with Williams—recently shared a celebratory photo of the two, hinting at a future partnership. Trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano has noted a shift in Williams’s stance, describing him as more open to the move after earlier hesitation.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club remains keen to tie down their star with a new deal and higher release clause. But as several top European clubs prepare to trigger the current clause, Barcelona are racing against time—and their own budget limits—to make a decisive play.
