In what could be a defining moment in the summer transfer window, Athletic Club sensation Nico Williams has sent shockwaves through European football after reportedly demanding a staggering โฌ12 million salary from FC Barcelona. Even more dramatic is the claim that the Spanish international is asking for an even higher figureโโฌ20 millionโfrom other top clubs eyeing his signature.
Nicoโs rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. The 21-year-old winger has dazzled La Liga fans with his electrifying pace, sharp dribbling, and increasingly consistent end product. His breakout performances in the past two seasons have drawn serious interest from elite clubs across Europe, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and PSG all monitoring his situation closely.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Barcelona remain Nicoโs preferred destination, owing to his strong ties to Spanish football, admiration for Barรงaโs playing style, and a desire to play alongside his Spain teammates like Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal. However, the clubโs delicate financial situation is complicating matters.
Nicoโs reported salary demand of โฌ12 million per year puts him among the highest earners in the squadโon par with some of the clubโs established stars. With Barcelona already navigating tight salary limits imposed by La Liga, meeting such a demand could require selling players or renegotiating existing contracts.
Whatโs even more eye-opening is Nicoโs alleged request for โฌ20 million annually from foreign clubs. While this figure may seem exorbitant, it reflects the current market trend, where elite wingers are commanding top-dollar salaries. For clubs outside Spainโespecially those in the Premier League or Saudi Pro Leagueโsuch wages are within reach.
Sources say that negotiations are still ongoing between Nicoโs camp and Barcelona. The Catalan giants are reportedly offering a structured deal with performance-based bonuses to try and lower the base wage while still meeting the playerโs valuation over time.
Joan Laporta and Deco, who have made Nico a top target this summer, are believed to be weighing the pros and cons of the deal. On one hand, Nico represents the ideal addition to a youthful, high-intensity attack. On the other, handing out such a massive contract could set a precedent that destabilizes the wage structure.
Meanwhile, clubs from England and Germany are circling like vultures. Chelsea are said to be particularly keen, with plans to make a formal approach should talks with Barรงa collapse. Bayern Munich, who are undergoing a squad rebuild under Vincent Kompany, also admire Nicoโs profile.
Despite the mounting pressure, Nico himself has remained quiet, avoiding media appearances and social media hints. Insiders believe this is a strategic move, designed to keep negotiations in-house and avoid public distractions.
Thereโs also the question of loyalty. Nicoโs brother, Iรฑaki Williams, has been vocal in the past about the importance of family and heritage. Whether that sentiment factors into Nicoโs final decision remains to be seen, but Athletic Club still hope to convince him to stay with a renewed project and captaincy potential.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is pushing hard for the deal to be completed before preseason begins. He sees Nico as a vital component of his tactical visionโa left-sided dynamo who can stretch defenses, provide width, and connect quickly with midfield playmakers.
If Barcelona can reach an agreement, it would send a strong message to their rivals: that even in financial difficulty, they can still attract elite talent. However, if they fail, it could be seen as a missed opportunity that haunts the club for years.
For now, the ball is in Nicoโs courtโand time is ticking. With Euro 2024 boosting his visibility and price tag, every passing day increases the risk of losing him to a richer, faster-moving competitor.
