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<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":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","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>Barca ready to trigger release clause</li><li>Set to step up transfer pursuit</li><li>Could sell Raphinha to fund the move</li></ul>

Barcelona ready to trigger Nico Williams release clause to lure Spain hero from Athletic Club

LaLiga

Celta Vigo

Barcelona

Athletic Club

Real Sociedad

<p>Per <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/barca-prepara-pago-clausula-nico-105882825" target="_blank">Sport</a>, the Catalan giants are ready to trigger the €58 million (<span></span><span></span>£48m/$63m) release clause in the player's contract as they consider the winger to be a priority signing in the summer transfer window. The report further claimed that the player had agreed to join Barcelona and the club would pay the fee as soon as they formally received the approval of Williams and his agent.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>To fund Williams' move, the Blaugrana are reportedly <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-spain-nico-williams-dani-olmo-transfers/blt1afdb8f1a1497074#csa26b704ccd8b92e0" target="_blank">planning to offload Brazilian winger Raphinha</a>. The club had earlier demanded €90 million (£76m/$98m) for the Brazil international, who attracted interest from Saudi Arabia. However, recent reports indicate his asking price has dropped to €50 million (£42.16m/$54.46m) </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>22-year-old Williams had a dream outing in the 2023/24 campaign for club and country. After helping Athletic Club win the Copa del Rey last season, he played a stellar role alongside Lamine Yamal to guide Spain to their record fourth European Championship title.  </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Hansi Flick and his side are set to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-pre-season-2024-tour-fixtures-results-tickets-watch/blt0c72df7089cf4ac7" target="_blank">travel to the US</a> where they will play pre-season friendly matches against Manchester City, Real Madrid and AC Milan. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Barcelona ready to trigger Nico Williams release clause to lure Spain hero from Athletic Club | Goal.com

Barcelona are all set to step up their transfer pursuit of Athletic Club and Spain star Nico Williams next week.