Barcelona set a date to activate top target’s release clause | OneFootball

According to a major update from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are preparing to activate Nico Williams’ release clause on either July 1 or 2.

The reason for this precise timing is financial. The Catalan club want the €58 million fee, plus the CPI (Capital Gains Tax), to be counted under the 2025/26 financial year, which officially starts on July 1.

This will allow Barça to manage their books more effectively, in line with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.

Although the payment may be formally delayed until early July, the club’s intention is to finalise all aspects of the deal before Nico reports to Athletic Club’s preseason training.

The Bilbao-based team is scheduled to begin their preparations in the second week of July, while Barcelona plans to start their pre-season under new manager Hansi Flick on July 13.

Hopeful of flexible payment terms

Barcelona are not only focused on paying the clause but are also hoping to reach an agreement that allows them to pay the fee in instalments, rather than as a single lump sum.

Barcelona are closing in on Nico Williams’ transfer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The player’s entourage is currently in talks with Athletic Club to see if this flexibility can be achieved. However, given the recent tensions between the two clubs, particularly after Deco’s public comments, such cooperation may be difficult.

It is important to note that Nico turned down multiple offers last summer, including one from Barça, choosing instead to stay in Bilbao out of loyalty and to help the club fight for the Europa League final at San Mames.

That gesture is remembered fondly by the Athletic faithful, and it remains to be seen whether the club will show similar goodwill if Nico now expresses a desire to move on.

While relations between the two clubs may not be at their best, Barcelona remain determined.

The club is ready to pay the full clause if an instalment agreement is not possible and is currently working to offload salaries and create the financial space necessary to register the winger.