𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Athletic Bilbao’s president Jon Uriarte has made it clear to Barça. If Barcelona wants Nico Williams, they have to pay the full release clause (€62M). Athletic will NOT accept multiple installment payments and there will be NO negotiations for him, reports Bilbao’s journalist Juanma Velasco

The transfer window is heating up, and at the center of it is Spanish winger Nico Williams, whose name has been echoing through the corridors of Camp Nou all summer. With Barcelona determined to bolster their flanks and rejuvenate their attack, Nico Williams has emerged as a prime target—but securing him will come at a steep and inflexible cost.

The Athletic Club star is one of the most talked-about players following his electric performances at Euro 2024, where he combined brilliantly with Barcelona’s own Lamine Yamal. Together, they terrorized defenses and gave fans a glimpse into what could be a fearsome duo on the club level. It’s no wonder Barça have been pushing behind the scenes to bring him to Catalonia.

But according to renowned Bilbao journalist Juanma Velasco, negotiations have hit a hard wall. Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte has drawn a red line: if Barcelona wants Nico, they must pay the full €62 million release clause in one go. No payment plans. No negotiations. No exceptions.

This news comes as a major blow to Barça’s hopes, especially considering the club’s delicate financial situation. Despite bouncing back on the pitch under new manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s balance sheet remains under scrutiny. La Liga’s financial fair play regulations continue to limit their maneuverability in the transfer market, and shelling out €62M up front for one player is a stretch under current conditions.

Earlier this month, hopes were reignited when Nico Williams himself opened the door to a move to FC Barcelona. Sources close to the player confirmed that the winger is very interested in joining the Blaugrana project, particularly due to his strong friendship with Lamine Yamal and admiration for the Barça playing style. The chemistry between the two youngsters at Euro 2024 fueled excitement within the club and fanbase alike.

Williams, just 21 years old, represents everything Barça are trying to build for the future: young, fast, technically gifted, and already experienced at the international level. His stats in La Liga last season—along with his eye-catching Euro campaign—suggest that he’s ready for a big move. But even as the player leans toward Barcelona, the transfer remains tangled in financial complications.

President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco have been working tirelessly to structure a potential deal. Initial strategies involved creative payment terms, player swaps, and even staggering the fee over several fiscal years. But Athletic Club remains firm—they will not entertain any offer below the full clause, nor will they tolerate staggered payments.

That rigid stance has left Barcelona at a crossroads. Internally, there are debates over whether to risk activating the clause and triggering a short-term financial strain, or to wait until January or next summer when the club may be in a stronger economic position.

While some insiders believe a surprise breakthrough could still occur late in the window, the likelihood of a dramatic twist is fading. Unless Barcelona can suddenly offload one or two high-earning players or receive an unexpected cash injection, the club might be forced to shelve the move temporarily.

Still, this saga is far from over. Sources suggest that Barcelona’s interest in Nico Williams will not die down any time soon. If not this summer, the Blaugrana could return for him in January or next season, possibly with more financial flexibility depending on revenue from the Champions League, sponsorships, and potential player sales.

Athletic Bilbao, for their part, are confident they can hold onto their star. The club sees Nico as the centerpiece of their project and are eager to keep him in the Basque Country for at least another season. They also believe that their unshakeable stance in this negotiation will discourage other suitors, allowing them to retain their top talent without drama.

The fans, meanwhile, are caught in the middle—some dreaming of seeing the Yamal-Nico partnership recreated at club level, others wary of the impact such a hefty outlay could have on Barça’s fragile finances. The debate rages on, especially across Spanish media and on social platforms.

As of now, Barcelona has made no official comment regarding their stance on paying the full €62M upfront. But sources close to the club confirm they are “monitoring the situation very closely,” leaving the door slightly ajar for any late movement.

In the coming days, Barça may attempt a final push—especially if they manage to offload players like Ferran Torres, Raphinha, or Ansu Fati. But time is ticking, and with each passing hour, the chances of Nico donning the Blaugrana shirt this summer seem to dwindle.

Even if the deal doesn’t happen in this window, Nico Williams’ name will likely continue to be linked with Barcelona for the foreseeable future. The admiration is mutual. The desire is real. But for now, the price remains the problem.

And unless Laporta and company can pull a financial rabbit out of the hat, the dream of Nico in Barça colors might have to wait just a little bit longer.