Barça is clear: it wants to sign Nico Williams and is willing to pay the €60 million ($65 million) release clause. Meanwhile, the player has shown a willingness at all times to wear the blaugrana jersey. However, in recent hours, something has changed.
Although the agreement seemed to be on track, negotiations have entered a phase of uncertainty. The footballer's camp acknowledges that significant doubts have arisen. The final decision no longer seems as immediate as was desired.
Nico has made it clear that he doesn't want to sign just because of Barça's name. He wants sporting guarantees, real minutes, and continuity. That is precisely the condition he has put forward before signing.
A difficult trident to move and intense competition
Currently, Barça's attack operates with a very defined structure. Lamine Yamal occupies the right side as a regular starter, while Raphinha performs at a high level on the left. The attacking midfield is well covered with Gavi, Dani Olmo, or Fermín López.
Flick isn't in favor of changing what works. His intention was to bring in Nico as a top-level rotation option, not as an immediate starter. However, that idea doesn't fully convince either the player or his agent, Félix Tainta.
Nico's camp fears that his arrival could mean a step back in terms of prominence. At 22 years old, he wants to establish himself as a starter for the national team and needs continuity to achieve it. The bench isn't an option at this stage of his career.
Barça's coaching staff value him, but can't guarantee him a permanent spot. In a squad so full of talent, competition for minutes will be fierce from day one.
Nico wants to know exactly what his role will be
That's why the footballer has asked Barça for a clear answer. Before making any decision, he wants to know the real plan Hansi Flick has for him. No vague promises or protocol phrases: a concrete explanation about his role on the team.
Barça understands his position and keeps its optimism. It believes it can convince him with a solid project and the possibility of being important in the medium term. However, the immediate priority wouldn't be to alter the current attacking trident.
From the sporting management, led by Deco, they insist that Nico will bring imbalance, depth, and the ability to break through. However, he won't be signed to displace anyone by decree. He'll have to earn his place game by game.
The final decision, therefore, is in the player's hands. The club is ready to execute the clause and formalize the agreement as soon as it receives his definitive "yes."
There is also uncertainty about his registration in LaLiga
Not everything is about sports. Another factor that has slowed negotiations has to do with the institutional side. Nico and his camp want guarantees that there won't be problems with his registration in LaLiga.
After the setbacks suffered this season with other signings like Dani Olmo or Pau Víctor, the player's family wants to avoid surprises. Barça assures that everything is under control, but it still needs to free up salary space to register him.
That margin is precisely what's delaying the official announcement. Until there is full legal and financial certainty, the footballer's camp won't take the final step. Meanwhile, the saga remains open.
Nico Williams remains a priority for Barça. However, now more than ever, the club will have to convince him with actions… not just words.