Barcelona will not pay 21-year-old target’s €50 million release clause following contract renewal | OneFootball

Nico Williams’ links with FC Barcelona are not new. The 21-year-old Athletic Club winger was linked to the Catalans for a number of months now and journalist Ferran Martinez has affirmed via Mundo Deportivo that the team from Catalonia can still land him at a low price.

The young speedster was set to be a free agent at the end of the season but has now committed his future with Bilbao until 2027.

Regardless, there is still a glimmer of hope for Barcelona if they want to acquire his services during next year’s summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

As per Martinez, reports from Bilbao have emerged that Williams’ contract renewal may involve a strategic manoeuvre, something that has been requested by the player himself.

It is said that the forward has established a sensible termination clause aligned with the current market rates.

This particular clause seems to keep the option open for him to pursue his career elsewhere in the future, provided it ensures a substantial financial benefit for the club.

Nico Williams was targetted by Barcelona during the summer transfer window. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)

This means Nico, who is very much a fan favourite, is not inclined to depart without ensuring a fair compensation that contributes positively to his club’s finances.

What price are we talking about?

The alleged termination clause is rumoured to be around €50 million, a figure that Barcelona are not contemplating paying in the summer of 2024.

Their priority for the upcoming windows involves the acquisition of Vitor Roque and the permanent transfers of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo.

In any way, paying €50 million for the 21-year-old is simply not affordable for the Blaugrana as it will hinder the prospect of signing other transfer targets.

Whether Nico stays in Bilbao for another year or attracts suitors willing to meet his termination clause this summer remains uncertain.

The outcome depends on how the season pans out for him at Athletic Club and his performances.

Although there’s interest from Barcelona, there is simply no thought of paying the €50 million release clause for his signing.