FC Barcelona hopes to finalize the transfer of Nico Williams this week. However, negotiations are reportedly on hold due to demands from the player’s side.
FC Barcelona is facing a highly exciting week. The financial year ends on June 30, and according to consistent media reports, President Joan Laporta expects revenues of around €950 million for the 2024/25 season.
In addition, two transfers are set to be completed: Ansu Fati, who is likely to hand over his number 10 jersey to Lamine Yamal, is on the verge of a loan move to AS Monaco with an option to buy, and Nico Williams is set to join the Catalans at best.
While Ansu Fati’s move is only awaiting official confirmation, the deal with Nico Williams is currently hitting a snag. However, this is not because Bilbao, which recently caused a public uproar, is standing in the way. Instead, demands from the player’s side have caused discontent in Barcelona.
Specifically, it is about guarantees that Nico Williams and his advisor are demanding – guarantees regarding the player’s registration that include specific demands in relation to clauses. Barcelona considers these guarantees “unacceptable at this point in time,” according to Mundo Deportivo, which is close to the club. The fact that the player’s side did not mention this in the initial talks with the potential new club is an additional source of irritation for those responsible around President Laporta.
Will Bayern still get its chance?
FC Barcelona has verbally assured the player that it will take care of the registration and compliance with financial fair play. However, this is apparently not enough for Nico Williams’ side.
In any case, negotiations are to be put on hold at the start of this important week. The question remains as to whether FC Bayern will emerge as the laughing third party. In Spain, there is little surprise that the disgruntled Bilbao would much rather sell their protégé to the German record champions than the reigning Spanish champions.