Kane's class - but England need new No.9 to lead World Cup bid

It's too easy for Ramirez! Clinical Chelsea look ominous

England's biggest winners & losers from the Nations League

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

The best Premier League loanees of the season so far

Guardiola 'reaches agreement in principle' over future

Ronaldo stunner the cherry on top for five-star Portugal 

Transfers LIVE: Man Utd eyeing January Kolo Muani swoop

Another problem for Arsenal! Trossard forced off injured 

Arsenal told outcast who was sold is 'needed' more than Saka

Amorim calls up 16-year-old for first Man Utd training session

Van Nistelrooy left 'devastated' by Man Utd exit

Amorim takes first Man Utd training session after visa approval

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<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>Barcelona met Williams' agent last week</li><li>Have thrashed out a deal with the player</li><li>Must activate his release clause to sign him</li></ul>

Barcelona reach 'agreement in principle' to sign Nico Williams & finalise personal terms with Spain Euro 2024 sensation as he closes in on transfer from Athletic Club

According to <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/principio-acuerdo-nico-williams-barca-105422518" target="_blank">Sport</a>, negotiations between Barcelona and Williams’ agent, Felix Tainta, concluded successfully last week, finalising the terms of the player’s personal contract. While specific details regarding the wages and contract length have not been disclosed, the agreement signifies significant progress.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Catalan giants are now focused on finding a way to meet the winger’s release clause - which stands at <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/sign-nico-williams-pedri-barcelona-transfer-spain-team-mate-athletic-club-euro-2024/blt295af5d975c37f3e" target="_blank">€58 million (£49m/$63m)</a> and complete the transfer. Athletic Club have been adamant that they will not negotiate with Barcelona and warned that any other <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/players-earn-big-money-transfers-starring-euro-2024/bltd6cbe7b065ce9b9f" target="_blank">potential suitor must pay his exit clause</a> in full to lure him away from San Mames.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has openly <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-afford-nico-williams-huge-transfer-claim-joan-laporta-athletic-club-spain-lamine-yamal/blt46cd3ac729d13f4c" target="_blank">expressed his admiration for Williams </a>and confidence in securing his signing. Speaking on the radio program 'El Matí de Catalunya Ràdio,' Laporta stated: "Obviously I like him, and very much. Today we can afford to sign Nico Williams. We can face a signing like Nico."Laporta also touched on the club’s strategy to navigate the financial constraints and adhere to La Liga's 1:1 rule, which governs player registration and wage spending. He mentioned that Barcelona is working diligently on various operations and is optimistic about returning to financial normalcy soon. "We will soon be able to announce the operations we have worked on. We'll be back to the normal of the Fair Play soon," he assured.

WHAT LAPORTA SAID

Despite the positive developments, there is a sense of urgency surrounding the transfer. Wiliams prioritises a transfer to Barcelona and also understands the club’s financial difficulties. However, he is not willing to wait the entire summer and expects the deal to be completed by the first week of August at the latest so that Athletic can have enough time to sign a quality replacement.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Barcelona reach 'agreement in principle' to sign Nico Williams & finalise personal terms with Spain Euro 2024 sensation as he closes in on transfer from Athletic Club | Goal.com Uganda

Barcelona have reportedly reached an &quot;agreement in principle&quot; to sign Nico Williams and finalised personal terms with the Athletic Club player.

Barcelona reach &apos;agreement in principle&apos; to sign Nico Williams &amp; finalise personal terms with Spain Euro 2024 sensation as he closes in on transfer from Athletic Club