Barça is close to adding a reinforcement that will revolutionize its attack. Negotiations have progressed quickly. German sources claim that the Catalan leadership has set the pace.
Joan Laporta | @FCBarcelona_es
Germany shuts down other options
Europe's giants are out of the race for the star who's set to land in Barcelona.
According to influential Florian Plettenberg from Sky Sports Germany, Barça is ahead of Bayern, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Decisive contacts have taken place in the last 24 hours. President Laporta himself is reportedly assessing the financial viability of the signing.
The full payment of the release clause appears imminent and is shaping the entire blaugrana operation.
This is a clause of €58 million (58 million euros) plus six in taxes, which must be paid in a single installment. The club's approach would be to sell one or two key players. The goal: balance the books without compromising financial fair play.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
First departures on the agenda
At Camp Nou, there are only two names on the table that could unlock the arrival of the new winger.
Ter Stegen has a major offer from Galatasaray, and his departure would ease the wage bill. Ronald Araújo is on the radar of Bayern, Chelsea, and Milan. The exit of one or even both of them would free up the necessary budget.
Ter Stegen | @FCBarcelona
The German coach is convinced that the new signing will decisively strengthen the left wing.
According to reports, Flick has internally communicated that the player fits perfectly into his offensive scheme. He has stated that he trusts his ability to compete in major matches. His approval would have helped push the operation from within.
Sales, key to the sporting plan
FC Barcelona doesn't want to take financial risks and seeks to pay out without budgetary imbalances.
With the departure of Ter Stegen or Araújo, the club expects to reduce the wage bill by around €30 million (30 million euros). In addition, they'd free up a squad number with high competitiveness and sporting level without weakening the roster. Without these departures, the signing would be unfeasible according to executives.
Deco | FC Barcelona
The blaugrana club needs to speed up before the start of preseason to meet deadlines.
The market requires deals to be closed during July. The first official match of the tour could feature the new signing if everything is solved. Without the planned departures, everything would come to a halt.
Reaction in the player's circle
The footballer mentioned in this story has already expressed his excitement about wearing the blaugrana jersey.
Despite having several interesting options for his future, he has told Barça that it's his priority. He has agreed to lower his salary demands to facilitate the move.
Nico Williams with Athletic | @nicolas_williams9
The player in question is Nico Williams, the winger from Athletic de Bilbao. Although his clause amounts to €58 million (58 million euros), his desire to sign for Barça would have tipped the balance. Flick wants him to strengthen the wing. Now, only the departures and the payment of the clause need to be finalized to close the deal.
