Bayern Munich have made a decisive move in their pursuit of Athletic Club star Nico Williams by offering him a lucrative salary proposal worth €10 million per year. According to sources close to the negotiations, the Bavarian giants sent the offer over the weekend, underlining their determination to sign one of Spain’s most exciting young wingers this summer. Despite fierce competition from clubs in the Premier League and La Liga — including Barcelona — Bayern are far from backing down.
This latest development signals a new level of seriousness from Bayern, who are in the process of rebuilding their squad after a turbulent 2024/25 campaign that saw them relinquish their Bundesliga dominance and make early exits in both the Champions League and domestic cup. With Vincent Kompany now in charge, the club is actively pursuing young, dynamic players who can inject freshness, speed, and hunger back into the squad — and Nico Williams fits that profile perfectly.
Nico’s Rapid Rise
The 21-year-old Spanish winger has been one of the standout performers in La Liga over the past two seasons. Known for his electric pace, fearless dribbling, and ability to stretch defenses, Williams enjoyed a breakout year at Athletic Club, helping them lift the Copa del Rey and finish in the top five. His performances have also translated onto the international stage, with the winger playing a prominent role in Spain’s EURO 2024 campaign, where his partnership with Lamine Yamal on the wings has drawn widespread praise.
Williams’ release clause reportedly stands at around €58 million, a fee that Bayern Munich are willing to trigger. However, what’s been more challenging for Bayern is convincing the player himself to choose the Bundesliga over remaining in Spain or moving to the Premier League, where several clubs are also monitoring his situation.
Bayern’s Ambitious Offer
By sending a €10 million per year salary offer — roughly €190,000 per week — Bayern have thrown down a serious financial gauntlet. It’s a clear signal to both the player and his representatives that the club sees him as a cornerstone of their future. For context, this salary would place Williams among the top earners at the Allianz Arena, comparable to some of the club’s senior stars.
The offer also reflects a growing trend among top European clubs: spending aggressively on younger talents with long-term potential rather than splashing cash on aging superstars. Bayern’s interest in Williams fits into this strategy, especially as they look to replace aging wingers like Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry, both of whom have been linked with summer exits or reduced roles.
Competing With Barcelona
Barcelona remain a major threat in the race for Nico Williams. The Catalan club reportedly have a verbal agreement on personal terms with the player, and the idea of staying in Spain — especially to play alongside best friend Lamine Yamal — appeals greatly to him. However, Barcelona’s financial constraints are a well-known obstacle. The club is still juggling wage cap issues and struggling to raise the funds necessary to activate Williams’ €58 million clause.
That’s where Bayern might have the upper hand. They can offer both the release clause amount upfront and a generous salary package without any of the delays or restructuring Barça would require. For Nico Williams, this presents a difficult decision: join a growing Bayern project with guaranteed financial stability or wait on Barcelona’s promises, which remain uncertain.
Bayern’s Summer Rebuild
Nico Williams isn’t Bayern’s only target this summer. The club is also linked with center-back Jonathan Tah, midfielder João Palhinha, and several young attacking talents. Vincent Kompany is reportedly keen on shifting to a high-tempo, aggressive playing style, and Williams’ skillset is a natural fit for such a philosophy.
Securing Williams would not only boost Bayern’s wing options but also signal to the rest of Europe that the German giants are not in decline — they’re evolving. After years of domestic dominance, Bayern are aiming to reinvent themselves for the next generation, and bringing in someone like Nico Williams could be a defining moment in that process.
Decision Time for Nico
For Williams, the decision now rests on more than just money. While Bayern’s offer is extremely generous, the winger must weigh it against his ambitions, playing style preferences, and personal ties. Staying in Spain might offer him greater comfort and continuity, but Bayern promises elite training, European competition, and the chance to be a leading figure in a major continental club.
One thing is clear: Bayern Munich are not backing down. With a €10 million per year proposal on the table, they’ve made their intentions crystal clear. Now, the ball is in Nico Williams’ court — and the football world watches closely as one of the biggest transf
er battles of the summer unfolds.
