Barcelona has everything in place for Nico Williams to strengthen its project next season. There is a full agreement for a contract for the next six seasons with an increasing salary. But for this to happen, the club will have to pay his release clause to Athletic Club, set at €62 million (about $67.4 million USD) including the CPI. There is work ahead, especially to ensure the registration of the Navarrese forward, which must be solved with a significant sale.
There will be a surprise departure at Barça
Although many voices have ruled out his departure, including Deco's, the truth is that Ronald Araújo doesn't have his continuity at Barça guaranteed. In recent hours, the journalist from "SPORT", Hugo Scoccia, has revealed that Juventus will make another move for the Uruguayan center-back. They consider him the defender they need to strengthen their renewed project and are preparing an offer to try to entice him.
Ronald Araújo was about to leave for Juventus in the last January transfer window, but Barça's locker room convinced him to stay and Deco closed his renewal until 2031. He did so with a special clause, activating for a short period a release price of about €60-65 million (about $65.3-70.8 million USD) to allow his definitive departure. The talks are "open" and this operation could unlock the desired registration of Nico Williams.
Ronald Araújo, sale activated at Barça
Ronald Araújo's future at Barcelona is more uncertain than ever. At 26 years old, the Uruguayan center-back has lost prominence in the Culer team, and Hansi Flick doesn't consider him essential in his new project. His poor performance this season, along with internal doubts about his development, put him on the exit ramp.
With 25 matches played and stats of 2 goals and 2 assists, Ronald Araújo has been far from the level that was expected of him in Barcelona. Several key defensive errors have put him in the spotlight of criticism, with much of Camp Nou crowd pointing fingers at him. The club is seriously considering his sale if an interesting offer arrives, which would also help unlock important operations in the transfer market.
Inside the locker room, his status is no longer untouchable, and Deco, together with Flick, are studying alternatives in the market to strengthen the defense. Ronald Araújo has a reputation in Europe and Juventus has emerged as a viable destination. Barcelona no longer rules out his departure. The message is clear: if there's a good opportunity, it will be considered without hesitation.