The transfer market continues to produce unexpected moves, and one of them could have Munich as its destination. Bayern has decided to go all in for one of the great sensations of Spanish soccer. The Bavarian club wants to strengthen its left wing and has already identified the ideal target; from Allianz Arena, they're preparing a major offensive.
Bayern Munich's executives already know the terms of the transfer perfectly well; they know the player's price is €62 million (62 million euros), which corresponds to the release clause. It's a high figure, but it doesn't scare the German sporting management, especially knowing there's flexibility to pay it. In fact, unlike other clubs, Bayern will be allowed to pay that amount in installments.
This advantage could prove decisive in the race for the Spanish international, while some clubs crash against Athletic Club's wall, Bayern has received positive signals. The deal, which seemed complicated weeks ago, now looks much more feasible from Germany. In Bilbao, they'd be willing to negotiate with them without any problem.
Ibaigane bets on Bayern
The big loser in this scenario is Barcelona; the Catalan club has been tracking the young winger for months, and Hansi Flick even personally requested him. However, from Ibaigane, the stance toward the Culers is radically different, with the door completely closed because of what happened last summer and this one. Jon Uriarte, Athletic's president, doesn't even want to sit down to talk with the blaugrana board about anything, much less about Nico.
Tensions between both entities go back a long way, and that's taking a toll on negotiations; Barça won't be allowed under any circumstances to pay the clause in installments. The only possible scenario for the Catalan club would be the full payment of €62 million (62 million euros). That's unfeasible given the current Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Advantage for the Germans
Therefore, Bayern starts with a key advantage: it has financial muscle and smooth relations with Athletic, and the player is also open to the possibility of moving abroad. He believes he can keep growing, and the Bundesliga represents an attractive, ambitious, and top-level competitive project. This leap would also allow him to establish himself as a starter for the national team.
The winger has left everything in his agent's hands and, although he's keeping silent for now, he's already aware of the German offensive. His clause is manageable and, barring a radical turn, Bayern wants to close the deal as soon as possible. If there are no surprises, the Bavarian club could make the definitive move in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Barcelona watches with resignation as one of its top targets draws interest. At Athletic, they're clear there's no room for maneuver with the Culers. If Bayern fulfills what's been agreed, the transfer is imminent.