Chelsea spending big on Gittens & Pedro is smart business

Carsley has to succeed Tuchel as England boss after U21 glory

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Disaster for Guardiola as Al Hilal bounce Man City from CWC

Euros Power Rankings: England & Spain clear front-runners

Editors' Picks

Ronaldo warned 2026 World Cup dream 'will end in tears'

Transfers LIVE: Barcelona's Williams negotiations hit serious snag

📽️ | Pogba breaks down in tears signing Monaco contract

Pay day for Messi! Barca clear €48m debt with Inter Miami star

Ancelotti challenges Neymar to prove he can be 'important' to Brazil

Raphinha admits Yamal asked if Neymar would reply to his message

Messi completely shut down as PSG obliterate Inter Miami 

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltb15444520f7d565f","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Barcelona won't trigger clause immediately</li><li>Williams set to leave Athletic this summer</li><li>Catalans' decision motivated by tax plan</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Explained: Why Barcelona won't trigger Nico Williams release clause until next week despite agreement to sign Spain and Athletic Bilbao winger

<p>According to a report by <a href="https://archive.ph/7iIod#selection-2873.147-2873.202" target="_blank"><em>Mundo Deportivo</em></a>, Barca have taken a strategic approach in paying Williams’ release clause due to accounting reasons. Notably, they want to charge the €58 million payment plus the CPI (tax on capital gains) in the 2025-26 financial year, which commences on July 1, and want to pay the amount afterwards. Although there is a short delay due to the formalities, the Catalans want to acquire Williams’ signature before he joins Athletic’s pre-season camp, which is set to kick off in the second week of July.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>In the last summer window, the 22-year-old winger had rejected some offers, and despite Barca being keen to sign him back then, the deal did not go through. However, this term, the Catalans are determined to secure the signing of a player they consider a perfect fit for Hansi Flick’s setup. The player’s representatives are currently trying to convince the Basque club to agree to the clause being paid in instalments rather than in a lump sum at one go.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Williams and his brother Inaki Williams’ <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/athletic-club-issue-statement-nico-williams-mural-defaced-disrespectful-fans-star-winger-edges-closer-barcelona-transfer/bltc1d29954729af851" target="_blank">mural was vandalised in Bilbao, with Athletic Club speaking out against 'disrespectful' fans</a> as the transfer saga drags on.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>If the deal sees daylight, Williams will be expected to join the Catalans’ pre-season camp, which is scheduled to start on July 13. However, due to international duties surrounding the recently concluded Nations League, where he featured in the final against Portugal, he, along with a few national team comrades, will join the training at a later date.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NICO WILLIAMS?

Explained: Why Barcelona won't trigger Nico Williams release clause until next week despite agreement to sign Spain and Athletic Bilbao winger | Goal.com

Despite deciding to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona won’t be paying his release clause before July, in what is being considered a strategic financial move.