Barcelona facing challenges in finding solution to register Nico Williams, optimism fading – report | OneFootball

Even as reports suggest that Barcelona are preparing to activate Nico Williams’ release clause to sign him from Athletic Club, concerns about his registration in La Liga remain.

The said concerns within the player’s camp had given way to some tension between them and the club recently but the situation was said to have been addressed and things were understood to be moving forward.

However, now, according to MARCA, the optimism regarding Nico’s signing and registration has somewhat reduced in recent days.

Struggling to find solutions

Indeed, as per the report, Barcelona are struggling to resolve the many challenges this operation presents. As of today, the mood at the club is no longer as optimistic as it was just a few days ago regarding the Athletic Club forward’s arrival.

The main obstacle remains the guarantees Nico has requested to ensure his registration for next season.

The Blaugrana informed the player’s agent that they are confident they will be able to register him. However, the reality is that Barcelona are not currently operating under the 1:1 financial rule, as La Liga president Javier Tebas stated publicly earlier this week.

Although reports in Barcelona claim that Tebas suggested the club could use the rule for this signing, no one has officially confirmed this. For now, the only certainty is what Tebas said on Tuesday: Barça still lack the necessary financial fair play margin.

More hurdles? (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Barcelona and Nico are exploring alternative arrangements in the event that he cannot be registered immediately, but these are proving difficult to find.

If the club activate his release clause and sign him, but still lack fair play clearance in the final days of the transfer window, it would be a very poor time to negotiate an exit, as all clubs would be aware of Barcelona’s vulnerable position.

In such a scenario, Barça would have a weak negotiating stance and could risk not recovering the €60 million+ invested.

It is also clear that Nico wants to play. He is at a strong point in his career, and with the World Cup approaching, he cannot afford to sit out. Both sides are searching for solutions, but so far none have been found.

Internally, there are voices within the club who now believe the transfer may not go through.

All parties want a final resolution before Nico returns to training with Athletic. There is just over a week left, as the player has a few extra days off compared to his teammates, who report back on 9 July. As of now, Barcelona have not found a solution to unblock the situation.