Internal tension grows as Barcelona must fulfil major condition before signing a winger | OneFootball

According to a fresh update from Mundo Deportivo, the internal debate at Barcelona surrounding the signing of Nico Williams is growing louder and more complex by the day.

While the 22-year-old winger has shown clear interest in joining the Catalan club and even had his agent, Felix Tainta, meet with sporting director Deco last Friday in Barcelona, doubts remain strong within the club hierarchy.

Barcelona are actively looking to reinforce the squad this summer, particularly on the wings, but the path to bringing in a high-profile player like Nico is riddled with contradictions and complications.

Sources within the club admit that there is no unanimous agreement on whether pursuing the Athletic Club winger is the right move, especially considering what unfolded last summer and the financial realities they are still grappling with today.

Issues in signing Nico Williams

While Nico’s desire to wear the Barça shirt is no longer in question, the real issue lies in financing the operation.

Athletic Club have made it clear that they will not entertain negotiations and they will only accept the activation of the player’s release clause, which, including the Consumer Price Index adjustment, would cost around €64 million.

Barcelona cannot sign Nico Williams just yet. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

On top of that, the clause must be paid in full upfront, a condition that presents a major financial hurdle for a club still recovering economically and already having committed over €25 million for goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Need more sales

What remains clear is whether it is Nico or another winger, no major signing will be possible unless significant player sales occur.

The club has made it a point to communicate that any transfer of such financial weight must be preceded by an exit that replenishes their funds.

The interest in Nico has not gone away, and the player himself is reportedly willing to wait. However, the next few weeks could be decisive.

Without a key departure, Barcelona may once again find themselves admiring the winger from afar, unable to act on their interest due to constraints that are as financial as they are strategic.