Nico Williams’ new release clause set at €95-100 million as he snubs Barcelona again | OneFootball

FC Barcelona were dealt a serious blow to their summer transfer plans as top target Nico Williams performed a major U-turn and signed a new contract with Athletic Club.

The 22-year-old Spanish winger had already reached a six-year contract agreement with Barça and was understood to be waiting for the Catalans to activate his €62 million release clause.

However, concerns over his registration in La Liga paralysed the deal, and ultimately he signed a new contract with Athletic, committing to the Basque club until 2035.

New release clause set at €95-100 million

As part of his new contract, Athletic Club confirmed that Nico Williams’ new release clause had been increased by 50% without confirming the actual figure.

Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, the attacker’s release clause is set at €95-100 million at Athletic Club.

Staying put. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The Basque outfit’s director, Mikel Gonzalez, is understood to have played a key role in getting the green light from Nico once again, just like he convinced the player to stay last year after flying to Germany during the Euros.

As had already been reported, Athletic Club were prepared to make Nico the highest-paid player in the squad, which might have also weighed in on the youngster’s decision to snub Barcelona for a second summer in a row.

Given how things have worked out, it is unlikely that Barcelona will ever revisit their interest in Nico again in the future.

As for their immediate need for a new left-winger, Marcus Rashford and Luis Diaz remain as alternatives for the La Liga champions.