FC Barcelona's sports planning has taken a significant turn in recent days. After weeks of exploring the market, the club has reactivated the operation for Nico Williams, one of the most desired players by Hansi Flick to strengthen the blaugrana attack. A key meeting between Deco and the footballer's agent, Félix Tainta, ended up reigniting the operation.
President Joan Laporta, who had shown reluctance regarding the operation last summer, has changed his stance after seeing the footballer's willingness. Nico's gesture, rejecting higher offers from Bayern, Chelsea, and Arsenal, has been decisive in reopening the deal. Barça is clear that this time the commitment is total and wants to avoid another soap opera.
The conditions
Beyond the financial aspect, Nico Williams would have set out a series of very particular sporting conditions to seriously consider signing for FC Barcelona. The winger wants to have a clear and stable role in the tactical scheme, demanding guarantees that he will be used as a left winger, his natural position. With freedom to take on defenders, break through, and link up with the midfielders.
In addition, he would have requested that the coaching staff consider a realistic rotation plan that allows him to keep his physical freshness throughout the season, given his explosive playing style.
Another important point for Nico would be trust in the youth project. He has made it clear that he will only sign if he sees a firm commitment from the club to players of his generation, such as Lamine Yamal or Pedri. He considers it key to surround himself with a competitive environment but with a young and ambitious mindset.
He has even mentioned his desire to keep certain personal habits that influence his performance. Such as working with his own physiotherapist in coordination with the club, and following personalized nutritional routines, always respecting Barça's protocols.
Nico says yes: contract closed
Nico Williams has already said "yes" to Barça. He has accepted a net annual salary proposal of 6 million euros, placing him in the middle range of the wage bill and below the conditions he had demanded from other clubs. In addition, he has agreed to sign for six seasons, until 2031, showing that his commitment is long-term.
The only requirement he has put forward is that negotiations don't drag on: the player wants to secure his future before the start of preseason. For this reason, Barça is obliged to execute his release clause: about 62 million euros (62 million euros) including the CPI. It will be a single payment to Athletic Club, which already considers its star lost.
Excited about the project
At 22 years old, Nico Williams is open to making the leap to Camp Nou. The presence of important friends such as Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde has influenced his decision, as well as the possibility of being a key piece in a young and ambitious project. Hansi Flick considers him ideal for his offensive system and values his ability to unbalance and assist.
Nico Williams has been consolidating himself for some time as one of the most promising wingers in Europe. At Barça they see him as a strategic investment and are prioritizing his signing over other names such as Luis Díaz or Marcus Rashford. The only thing left is to solve the financial aspect in order to announce it officially.