Spanish media reports have revealed that FC Barcelona is very close to finalizing the deal to sign Nico Williams, the winger from Athletic Bilbao, after reaching a near-final agreement with the player regarding the personal terms of the contract.

According to the radio station "RAC1", Barcelona's management is seriously considering activating the release clause in Williams' contract, which amounts to 58 million euros, with slight modifications related to the price index, which could raise the total value of the deal to around 62 million euros.

This move comes after Athletic Bilbao refused to enter into direct negotiations or provide any financial facilitation, leaving the option of paying the release clause as the only solution for Barcelona to complete the deal during the summer transfer window.

Although Luis Diaz, the Liverpool winger, was the first choice in coach Hans Flick's plan to strengthen the attack, negotiations with Nico Williams' representatives have seen significant progress recently, especially after the player expressed his clear desire to move to Barcelona.

The radio station indicated that the club's president, Joan Laporta, showed great enthusiasm for the deal, hinting during a special meeting with veteran members about the imminent arrival of a new signing, without directly mentioning the player's name, but stating, "We are very excited about the incoming player."

Sources from within the club's financial management confirmed that Barcelona is capable of covering the amount of the release clause, emphasizing that the issue relates to available credit sources rather than direct cash liquidity, and that the amount is not a barrier for a club with an annual budget exceeding one billion euros.

If the deal is completed, Nico Williams will sign a contract extending until June 2031, with a net annual salary ranging between 7 and 8 million euros, making him one of Barcelona's most prominent signings in the summer transfer market.