Just in: Barcelona director meets with Nico Williams’ agent – move back on? | OneFootball

Just after it emerged that Barcelona had paid top target Joan Garcia’s €25 million release clause today, there has been another significant development with regard to the Catalans’ transfer activity.

It is no secret that Barça are eager to sign a new left-winger and have identified Luis Diaz as their priority target.

However, it appears that a former transfer target could now be back on the agenda of the La Liga champions.

Deco meets Nico Williams’ agent

Indeed, according to Carlos Monfort of SPORT, Barcelona have held a transfer summit with Felix Tainta, the agent of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.

Tainta travelled to Barcelona to meet with the club’s sporting director, Deco. The two met at a hotel in the city to explore whether a move, previously ruled out, could be reactivated this summer.

Tainta had already negotiated with Barça last summer, reaching an advanced stage for a potential move that ultimately fell through.

Over the past few months, he has maintained contact with the La Liga champions and wanted to directly gauge their willingness to proceed with a deal for his client. However, in recent months, Barcelona appeared to have distanced themselves from the player.

Williams has several strong offers on the table, and while Athletic Club are pushing for a contract renewal, his camp wanted to understand Barcelona’s position in the matter.

Nico wants to continue in Spain

Nico Williams open to Barcelona move. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old is attracting interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, both of whom are prepared to activate his €62 million clause and are offering lucrative contracts. However, their offers do not yet meet his expectations for a move abroad.

If he is to leave Athletic, Nico would prefer to stay in La Liga and would be open to a move to Barcelona, provided the club demonstrates full commitment to paying the release clause.

The winger has a close relationship with several players in the Barça dressing room and would welcome the move if there is clear interest from Hansi Flick, Deco, and the club.

At the same time, the Spaniard will also need assurance that he can be registered without the same difficulties that led to the collapse of the transfer last year amid tensions with Athletic Club.

Barcelona have identified Luis Diaz as their main target but a deal for him would be expensive. Marcus Rashford is lined up as an alternative and a loan move for him remains an option.

However, the recent meeting with Tainta may now reignite the club’s interest in Nico. There is no doubt that Barça appreciates his quality, though they believe the player missed an opportunity last summer. Whether the door reopens remains to be seen.