FC Barcelona continues working on strengthening its squad for the upcoming season. After a campaign where the lack of imbalance in attack has been evident, the priority of the sports management is to incorporate a fast and skillful winger.
In this regard, Nico Williams has become the main target for Joan Laporta and Deco. The Athletic player has proven to be one of the great promises of European soccer, standing out for his speed, dribbling, and ability to break defenses.
Conversations between Barça and Nico's camp have advanced in recent weeks, and everything seems to be heading toward an agreement. However, there is one obstacle that still needs to be solved: the footballer's salary.
Barça Needs Speed and Breakthrough in Attack
One of Barça's main problems this season has been the lack of a winger who can make a difference in one-on-one situations. Flick has used Raphinha and Lamine Yamal on the wings, but the team still needs a more explosive profile, capable of creating advantages from the first touch.
Nico Williams meets all those characteristics. His performance at Athletic and with the national team has convinced the blaugrana board that he is the ideal signing to strengthen the attack. His great performance in the European Championship was the confirmation that he is ready to make the leap to an elite team.
Barça is clear that his signing would mark a turning point in sports planning. However, the club's economic situation remains complicated, so every detail of the operation must be analyzed precisely.
The Major Obstacle: Nico Williams's Salary
Despite the fact that the signing is well on track, there is one aspect that could complicate it: the player's salary. Nico Williams currently earns 12 million euros per season at Athletic, and he has made it clear that he is not willing to lower his salary.
For Barça, taking on that amount poses a significant economic challenge. With the team's wage bill still tight due to LaLiga's restrictions, the board must find a way to fit Nico's salary without compromising financial stability.
Deco and Laporta are exploring different options to make the operation viable. Among them, they are considering the possibility of including variables in his contract that would allow for a lower base salary but with performance incentives.
Additionally, the club is working on some departures to free up wage space, which would facilitate the incorporation of the Navarrese winger.
Despite the economic difficulties, Barça remains very interested in closing the signing of Nico Williams. The blaugrana board believes that his arrival would provide an immediate quality boost to the team and help enhance the performance of players like Lamine Yamal or Lewandowski.
The club also values his age and his room for growth. At 21 years old, Nico fits perfectly into the young talent project that Barça wants to consolidate. His ability to play on both wings and his understanding of the game make him a versatile and promising footballer.
Moreover, his good relationship with several Barça players, such as Lamine Yamal and Pedri, is another factor that favors his signing. Nico Williams would feel comfortable in the Barça locker room and could quickly adapt to the team.
Final Details Before the Agreement
The coming weeks will be key to defining Nico Williams's future. Although the agreement between the player and Barça is well advanced, the board is still working on adjusting the financial details to close the operation.
If the club manages to solve the salary issue, the signing could be made official before the summer. Nico's camp views his move to Camp Nou favorably, but Barça still needs to find the formula to make the operation viable without compromising its financial situation.
Meanwhile, the Athletic winger awaits news, aware that his future could be defined in a matter of weeks. The ball is in Barça's court, and everything points to if they manage to balance the accounts, Nico Williams will be the major signing.