Athletic send clear release clause message to Barcelona as La Liga rivals eye swoop to sign Nico Williams in latest chapter in long-running transfer saga

The seemingly never-ending transfer saga between Williams and La Blaugrana took another turn this week, as representatives of Athletic Club made a curt statement about the winger's status. A representative of the Bilbao club told Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona would have to meet the player's release clause. "If they want him, let them pay it, period," the source said.

Rumours of a Williams transfer to Catalonia had quietened down over the past few months, but this particular transfer saga has been rumbling on for the best part of two years. Mundo Deportivo report that the 22-year-old's release clause, which last season stood at €58m, has increased.

Relations between the two clubs have worsened over the past few seasons. Athletic Club were highly critical of Barcelona following the revelation La Blaugrana had made payments to the companies of José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees at the RFEF. Executives of both clubs have taken potshots at each other in the press and behind closed doors ever since, with the Williams saga fanning the flames of ill will, according to multiple reports.

This latest development is unlikely to bring about a move for Williams, who much as shown remarkable mental fortitude to not let this never-ending tale affect his performance on the pitch.