FC Barcelona is clear that Nico Williams is the main target for the next transfer market. After months of speculation, the blaugrana board has decided that the Athletic Club winger is the missing piece in Flick's attack.
However, the signing won't be as simple as it seemed. Although Nico Williams is willing to make the move to Camp Nou, he has demanded three key conditions before signing his contract. Joan Laporta and Deco have received the list of requests and are already working on a reply.
Barça chooses Nico Williams over other options
For months, Barça has considered various alternatives to strengthen its forward line. Rafael Leão, Marcus Rashford, Leroy Sané, or Kingsley Coman have been some of the names on the culé agenda.
But after a thorough analysis, the board has concluded that Nico Williams is the best option. His speed, youth, and ability to break through in one-on-one situations fit perfectly with Barça's play style. Additionally, his release clause of 58 million euros ($61.4 million) makes him a more affordable signing than other players of his level.
Nico Williams's three conditions
Nico Williams has made it clear that he wants to play at Camp Nou, but before giving the final yes, he has laid out three demands that Barça must meet.
- Maintain his current salary
The player currently earns 12 million euros ($12.7 million) annually, a figure that Barça considers high given its financial constraints. However, Williams is not willing to lower his salary and has demanded that the club match his current pay.
- That Barça pays his clause directly
Nico Williams doesn't want Athletic Club to have any room for maneuver in the negotiation. He has requested that Barça pay his release clause without negotiating with the Basque club. This way, he would avoid any delay or attempt by Athletic to retain him with a new renewal offer.
- A personal fitness trainer
Williams has demanded that Barça provide him with an exclusive fitness trainer. His intention is to avoid injuries and maintain his explosiveness, a key aspect of his playing style.
Laporta assesses the situation
Nico Williams's conditions have sparked debate within the blaugrana board, Laporta knows that signing him is a priority, but he also understands that giving in to all his demands is a risk. The player's salary is one of the most complicated points. At Barça, only a few players earn more than 12 million net per season, and accepting that figure could break the club's salary structure.
Additionally, paying his clause without negotiating with Athletic is a risky strategy, not having a good relationship with the Basques could complicate future operations. On the other hand, the request for a personal fitness trainer is the least problematic. Barça has already allowed this type of condition with other players in the past.
After analyzing Nico Williams's demands, Barça has decided to accept some of them and negotiate others. Laporta is willing to match his current salary, but he wants part of his contract to be performance-based. The club is also considering paying his clause without negotiations, but it needs to ensure that the player signs before another team tries to convince him.
Regarding the fitness trainer, the board has given its approval without issues. But the most surprising aspect of the operation is that Nico Williams won't arrive at Barça alone.
Barça will also sign Unai Simón
Within the negotiations with Nico Williams, Barça has seen the opportunity to also incorporate Athletic Club's goalkeeper, Unai Simón.
The Basque goalkeeper is the undisputed starter for the Spanish national team and a key player for Athletic. His signing would allow Barça to strengthen the goalkeeping position in light of Ter Stegen's possible departure in the coming years. With this double move, Barça will not only secure the signing of Nico Williams but also add a top-level goalkeeper.
The summer market is approaching, and Laporta is willing to make an effort to meet Nico Williams's demands and strengthen Flick's team.