Why Rashford won't just be a bench-warmer at Barcelona

Paying £71m for Mbeumo shows how desperate Man Utd are

Is £78m Ekitike just another Nunez or Liverpool's new Henry?

Lionesses legend Bronze using experience to drive Euros bid

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Editors' Picks

City losing another Treble winner! Ederson agrees transfer terms

Real Madrid ready to terminate contract of €30m flop

Greenwood scores 11-minute hat-trick for Marseille

Transfers LIVE: Man Utd fail in Emi Martinez loan bid

The six moves Real Madrid still need to make this summer

Pogba left out of Monaco squad again as struggles continue

<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"}}</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>Winger told team-mates about Madrid option</li><li>Barca reactivated deal after internal doubts</li><li>€62m release clause triggered fast response</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>

Nico Williams was open to joining Real Madrid instead of Barcelona as winger's flirtation with Clasico rivals sparked La Liga champions into action to sign Athletic Club star

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/nico-williams-nervous-winger-wants-registration-guarantee-barcelona-avoid-dani-olmo-situation/blt33760a8b991f3e10" target="_blank">Williams is closing in on a move to Barca</a>, but only after the club was jolted into action by Real Madrid’s interest and his flirtation with them. According to journalist <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/nico-williams-alerto-podia-fichar-119195170" target="_blank">Miguel Rico</a>, the Athletic Club winger told friends at Barca that he was open to joining Los Blancos if his preferred move to Camp Nou did not materialise. Madrid’s involvement forced sporting director Deco and the Barca board to re-engage seriously with Nico’s camp. Negotiations accelerated quickly from there, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/nico-williams-tells-athletic-club-let-him-go-as-winger-feels-perfect-fit-hansi-flick-barcelona-feels-hurt-vandalized-mural/blt3b434134d415df7f" target="_blank">personal terms now agreed</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Blaugrana club had previously shelved their interest in Nico after he renewed with Athletic until 2027, believing the door was closed. But Nico's release clause, which is €62 million (£53m/$67m) in total due to (Consumer Price Index) changes, remained untouched. Meanwhile, a potential deal for Liverpool's Luis Diaz stalled due to his higher asking price and age. Williams, still only 22, became Hansi Flick’s priority target for the left wing, offering youth, elite-level experience and a financially viable deal.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Williams has already made 167 senior appearances for Athletic Club at just 22. He won the Copa del Rey with Athletic and posted 31 goals and registering 30 career assists already. His brother, Inaki, is now Athletic's captain following Oscar de Marcos’ retirement.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Barca aim to finalise the signing soon, and with personal terms agreed and Williams pushing for the move, the deal hinges on the La Liga champions paying the release clause in one go, something the club are confident they can do, despite <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-warned-la-liga-rules-javier-tebas-issues-verdict-nico-williams-transfer-debacle/blte5f4395f7fd41ae3" target="_blank">registration warnings from La Liga president Javier Tebas</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCA AND NICO?

Nico Williams was open to joining Real Madrid instead of Barcelona as winger's flirtation with Clasico rivals sparked La Liga champions into action to sign Athletic Club star | Goal.com

Nico Williams warned Barcelona he would join Real Madrid if they didn’t act, forcing the La Liga champs to race for the €62m winger’s signature.

Nico Williams was open to joining Real Madrid instead of Barcelona as winger&apos;s flirtation with Clasico rivals sparked La Liga champions into action to sign Athletic Club star