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

According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, 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.

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.

Williams and his brother Inaki Williams’ mural was vandalised in Bilbao, with Athletic Club speaking out against 'disrespectful' fans as the transfer saga drags on.

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.