Nico Williams to Barcelona – Current state of play as hopes start to fade | OneFootball

As we approach the end of July, Barcelona are still yet to complete the deal to sign top attacking target Nico Williams.

The Spaniard’s transfer saga continues to be a complex one, with no clear resolution in sight. The forward has yet to decide his future, even amid strong interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Optimism from Barcelona fading

Earlier in the summer, Barcelona were regarded as the undisputed favourites to secure the services of Nico.

Even now, the Blaugrana reportedly have an agreement in place with the Athletic Club winger’s agent, but due to a lack of clarity, optimism in the Barcelona camp is clearly fading away.

In fact, The Athletic has recently reported that Nico is tilting towards a prolonged stay at Athletic Club. Barcelona are aware of the forward’s desire and are going in with the idea that the forward will continue at his current club.

This starkly contrasts Barça’s earlier attitude, when the club were sure of bagging the services of the Spanish international, especially after witnessing the bonhomie between him and Lamine Yamal during Euro 2024.

Nico’s agent complicating matters

Set to continue at Athletic? (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

In addition to Nico’s desire to continue at Athletic Club, the crux of the issue also lies with the player’s agent.

Sensing an opportunity to secure a more lucrative contract for his client, the agent has leveraged interest from Paris Saint-Germain to demand improved terms from Barcelona, reports Adrian Sanchez.

However, the Blaugrana have remained steadfast in their position, refusing to renegotiate the initial offer.

This has created a delicate situation. Nico Williams, seemingly content at Athletic Club, has indicated a willingness to stay at the Basque club if necessary.

This development has thrown a spanner in the works for Barcelona, who were banking on the player’s desire for a move to Catalonia. The Blaugrana, perhaps, were wrong to underestimate the competition from PSG.

Athletic Club mulling Nico renewal

Meanwhile, Athletic Club are in the process of coming up with a renewal offer for Nico.

In the new deal, the Basque outfit are likely to improve the player’s salary considerably. But most importantly, they might look to increase the value of the release clause, which stands at €58 million, with some reports even suggesting that it could be raised to €100 million.

(Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

Any potential increase in Nico’s release clause could make things much more complicated for Barcelona to sign their top attacking target in the future.

Barcelona must address economic hurdles

While the club have publicly downplayed their interest in Nico Williams to manage expectations, there’s no denying that he remains a coveted target.

However, Barcelona’s ability to secure his signature may hinge on their financial situation.

Adrian Sanchez claims that finalizing deals with sponsors like Nike could provide the necessary funds to pursue their top targets, including Williams.

Not to mention, Barcelona are in the process of restructuring the stake sale of Barça Studios, which could unlock €40 million in additional revenue and help the club return to the 1:1 rule.

These financial levers, once activated, could play a key role in helping Barcelona make a stronger case to sign Nico this summer.