Barcelona are on the verge of being able to afford the signing of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, according to LaLiga president Javier Tebas. Williams, who has a hefty release clause of €58 million ($63.2m) in his contract, has been identified as a potential target for Barcelona, with president Joan Laporta expressing confidence in the club’s ability to secure the Spain international’s services. Despite being currently over their LaLiga-imposed spending limit, Tebas suggested that Barcelona’s financial situation is improving, making a move for Williams a possibility in the near future.
Tebas pointed out that if Barcelona can return to a 1:1 spending limit, where they are not exceeding their cap, they would be in a position to make a move for Williams. With efforts being made by Barcelona to reduce their wage bill by more than €200m ($218m) and implement other financial measures, Tebas believes that bringing in a player like Williams is feasible. Tebas highlighted the amortization process in signing a player for a high fee, stating that it can be spread out over the duration of the player’s contract, making it more financially viable for the club.
Barcelona, a club with close to a €1 billion turnover, has the financial capacity to make signings in the region of Williams’ €58m release clause. However, Tebas emphasized that Barcelona must adhere to the 1:1 spending rule first before proceeding with any potential transfers. While Barcelona is not yet in compliance with this rule, they are making progress, and Tebas believes they are getting closer to meeting the necessary requirements to secure players like Williams.
Reports suggest that Barcelona is also keen on signing a midfielder and a left winger this summer, with Williams being the primary target for the latter position. Williams, who has been impressive at Euro 2024, has caught the attention of many clubs, including Barcelona. Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding his future, Williams has remained focused on his performances on the pitch, with his attention solely on the Euro 2024 final against England.
The intense interest in Williams has caused frustration for his current club, Athletic Club, with president Jon Uriarte criticizing the treatment of the player. Uriarte expressed displeasure at the constant questions directed towards Williams about his future, suggesting that the Spanish Federation has not done enough to shield the player from unwanted attention. Despite the external pressures, Athletic Club remains confident in their ability to match Williams’ ambitions both on the field and from a financial standpoint.
As Williams celebrates his 22nd birthday, he has reiterated his commitment to focus solely on the Euro 2024 final and has dismissed any discussions about his future beyond that. The young winger has remained composed amidst the transfer speculation surrounding him, maintaining his concentration on performing for his country at the highest level.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams signifies their intent to bolster their squad with top talent. With their financial situation progressively improving, Barcelona is edging closer to being able to afford a player of Williams’ caliber. As the transfer window unfolds, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona can finalize a deal for Williams and continue to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Leave a Reply