Nico Williams's arrival at FC Barcelona is underway. The Athletic winger is a priority for Hansi Flick's new project. His signing is agreed upon, but it depends on freeing up wage bill to comply with financial fair play.
Joan Laporta and Deco have drawn up a clear plan with the approval of the German coach. The goal is to execute five departures that will allow Nico to be registered without compromising economic stability. There is confidence at the club that this move will be completed before preseason.
Nico Williams with Athletic | @nicolas_williams9
Nico, key for the new Barça trident
Flick considers Nico the missing piece to build a future offensive trident. His partnership with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha promises speed, dribbling, and depth. The German sees in him an ideal profile to break through tight defenses.
At just 21 years old, the Spanish international represents the kind of signing that defines an era. His release clause is €60 million, an affordable amount if the necessary departures are activated. That's why summer planning revolves entirely around him.
Nico Williams playing with Athletic Club | Athletic Club
The first piece and second piece
The first departure is practically closed. Ansu Fati will go on loan to AS Monaco, where he will try to regain his form away from the pressure of Camp Nou. His salary will be covered almost entirely by the French club.
The decision has been agreed upon by Flick and Deco, who believe he needs minutes without being a priority in the current squad. Meanwhile, Ansu is looking for a more stable environment to rediscover his best version.
Ansu Fati with Barça | @ansufati
The second departure will be Pablo Torre, who is also not in Flick's plans. His transfer to Sevilla will be completed in the coming days after the Under‑21 European Championship. The club will keep a buy-back option in case of a future breakthrough.
Torre has accepted the move with maturity, aware that he will not have opportunities with Pedri, Gavi, Fermín, and Dani Olmo ahead of him. In Nervión, they have promised him a leading role from day one.
Pablo Torre with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Names that still generate debate
The third confirmed departure is Iñaki Peña's. The goalkeeper will not be renewed and will make way for Joan García, recently signed from Espanyol. His departure frees up a key spot for registrations.
Although his performance has been adequate as a backup, the technical management is opting for fresh air in goal. Peña has offers from several LaLiga teams that value his experience as a second-choice goalkeeper.
Iñaki Peña with Barça | @inakipenya
The two remaining departures are subject to negotiation. The first is Andreas Christensen, a center-back valued by Flick but expendable if an important offer arrives. Saudi Arabia appears as a possible destination with a firm proposal.
The most complex operation is Marc‑André ter Stegen's. His salary is one of the highest in the locker room and his departure would significantly ease the accounts. The club is considering forcing a negotiation if a serious offer is presented.
Ter Stegen | @FCBarcelona
If all five departures are executed correctly, Barça will be able to announce Nico Williams. The winger is excited about the project and has already given his word to the club. All that remains is to wait for the outcome of the ongoing operations.
Flick has been clear: he needs Nico from the start of preseason. Laporta and Deco are working against the clock to fulfill that desire. Barça is playing for a lot and can't afford mistakes this summer.
