In a significant development shaking the European transfer market, Nico Williams has officially informed Athletic Club of his desire to leave for FC Barcelona. The 22-year-old winger, who impressed last season with 11 goals and seven assists, feels ready for a bigger challenge after Athletic’s Europa League exit at the hands of Manchester United.
Barcelona are keen to secure his services but must pay his €58 million release clause quickly, especially with Bayern Munich and other European giants circling.
Meanwhile, young midfielder Pablo Torre is on the verge of leaving Barcelona for a move to Mallorca. Talks between both clubs are advancing well, with Mallorca seeking a creative replacement for Robert Navarro.
Barcelona, however, intend to maintain some control over Torre’s future by inserting a buy-back option and a percentage sell-on clause in the deal. Although Torre is considering other offers across Europe, a move to Mallorca currently appears the most likely outcome following Spain U21’s early elimination from the European Championship.
Elsewhere, Juventus have unexpectedly offered striker Dusan Vlahović to Barcelona as the Italian club look to reshape their squad. The Serbian forward, who scored 16 goals in 43 appearances last season, would cost between €70–80 million — a fee beyond Barça’s immediate financial reach. Nonetheless, sporting director Deco and manager Hans Flick continue to keep their sights set on elite long-term targets like Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, though these deals remain complicated.
In a surprising twist, goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s future at Barcelona has also come under question. With rising competition from Joan García and Juventus extending Wojciech Szczęsny’s contract, Manchester City have emerged as a possible destination.
Pep Guardiola’s side could consider the experienced German, who at 33, is nearing the final stages of his contract. Reports suggest he could be available for as little as €10 million or even leave by mutual agreement.
Ansu Fati is close to completing a loan move to AS Monaco after passing his medical. The arrangement will see him extend his contract at Barcelona by a year before heading to France on a deal that includes a €11–12 million option to buy. Fati is eager to revive his career following a disappointing loan spell at Brighton, while Barcelona hope the contract extension preserves their long-term interests.
Finally, AC Milan have shown strong interest in Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen. The Danish international, who earns €9 million annually, is seen as a cost-effective alternative to Ronald Araujo. A potential sale would help Barcelona ease their wage bill and secure pure profit, as Christensen arrived on a free transfer in 2022.
Leave a Reply