FC Barcelona have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams over a long-term deal.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the 22-year-old Spanish international, who is of Ghanaian descent, is set to sign a six-year contract that will keep him at Camp Nou until 2031.
Although reports from Spain previously suggested that Barcelona had cooled their interest in the talented forward, club president Joan Laporta has had a change of heart.
He is now said to be impressed by Williams’ professionalism and eagerness to join the Catalan giants.
Negotiations between Barcelona officials and Williams’ representatives have intensified in recent weeks, culminating in a final meeting on Monday that reportedly secured a full agreement on personal terms.
The proposed deal will see Williams earn €12 million annually should he make the switch to La Liga champions Barcelona.
However, the transfer is not yet finalized. Athletic Bilbao are holding out for a fee of around €60 million, meaning Barcelona must now negotiate terms with the Basque club to complete the signing.
Williams had attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
But he now looks set to link up with his close friend Lamine Yamal at Barcelona, marking a new chapter in his career.
