Bayern Munich make one final effort to beat Barcelona to €62 million signing

Bayern Munich are still holding out hope of signing Nico Williams, despite indications that the Athletic Club winger is on the verge of joining FC Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are prepared to pay the €62 million release clause, following a meeting last week between sporting director Deco and Felix Tainta, the agent of the Athletic Club winger.

Barcelona already have a personal agreement in place with Nico, with only minor administrative details pending.

While the path seems to lead clearly toward the Spotify Camp Nou, Bayern are not giving up and are making a last-ditch attempt to snatch the signing.

One final push

According to Sport1 (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl left the team’s FIFA Club World Cup delegation to return to Munich, where he met with Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and other members of the board.

The goal of the trip was to push forward next season’s transfer plans. One of those plans includes presenting an improved offer to Nico, underlining that the winger is a priority and positioning Bayern to act quickly if Barcelona are unable to complete the signing.

Following the news of Eberl’s return to Munich, Bayern’s other sporting director, Christoph Freund, spoke to DAZN after Bayern’s 2-1 win over Boca Juniors.

He claimed the trip was “not for any particular reason” but explained that “there are some ongoing talks, the schedule works better from Europe, and we think it is the right moment.”

Asked directly about Bayern’s interest in Nico, Freund replied, “We are not commenting on rumours at the moment,” and added, “We want to continue working on our plans” to strengthen the squad ahead of next season.”

Barcelona, meanwhile, insist they will have no issue paying the release clause, which will rise to €62 million with inflation if Athletic Club refuses to negotiate.

However, the La Liga champions are still hoping Bilbao might soften their stance and agree to payment in instalments rather than a lump sum, with Nico himself prepared to intervene.