Barcelona are set to close a year-long saga by signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club, with a deal set for completion next week. And the Catalans are sticking to this idea, despite having incurred

Barring an unexpected turn, Nico Williams will interrupt his vacation to join the preseason directly under Hansi Flick's orders. At Can Barça, they are already counting on him for the start of the league. Everything is in motion to close one of the big summer deals.

Barca do not plan to pay the release clause until after June 30, ensuring the deal is registered in the next financial year in Spain.