Just in: Barcelona director flying to Ibiza to accelerate Nico Williams deal | OneFootball

There are significant movements happening as far as Barcelona and their pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is concerned.

The 22-year-old attacker has made his intentions clear that he wishes to join the Blaugrana this summer despite having interest from several other top clubs.

A meeting already took place between Barcelona director Deco and Nico’s agent, Felix Tainta, last week. It has since been reported that the Spaniard has a pre-agreement with the La Liga champions over a contract.

Deco flies to Bilbao

Now, according to Carlos Monfort of SPORT, Barcelona officials are flying to Ibiza to accelerate negotiations for Nico Williams. The winger is currently on vacation there, as is Hansi Flick.

Sporting director Deco, accompanied by Bojan Krkic and another member of the technical staff, was seen at the Barcelona airport today as he took a flight for a new meeting where all the details of the operation could be finalised.

After having seemingly grown sour on the 22-year-old for his snub last year, Barcelona have decided to go all-in for the Athletic Club winger. The final push has now begun with the goal of settling all financial aspects so that the player can be registered without issues.

Nico’s decision and his gesture of clearly expressing his willingness to close the deal completely shifted the club’s sporting strategy.

Move getting closer? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Deco took full note of the Spaniard’s intentions and relayed this to the board and to manager Hansi Flick, who approved the move. Club president Joan Laporta is also convinced that now is the time to secure a signing that could be strategic for Barcelona’s future.

Deco and Nico’s agent discussed the potential terms of the contract, including its duration and the payment of the release clause, which stands at €58 million and could rise to €62 million, once adjusted for inflation.

It is a significant sum that the club must pay in one instalment, but Barcelona are prepared to do so in the coming weeks without difficulty.

All these figures must now be formalised – something that could happen during this meeting in Ibiza. The La Liga champions are working to make the deal happen as quickly as possible and ensure the numbers work for registration purposes.

Nico and his entourage want the situation resolved before he begins pre-season with Athletic. But Barcelona will move ahead to activate his release clause only after they are certain about registering him without any hitches.