New plan: Barcelona plan to activate La Liga winger’s release clause next week; reason revealed | OneFootball

Earlier in the week, it was almost taken for granted that Barcelona would pay Nico Williams’ release clause by the end of Friday.

Many even expected the transfer to be completed by this week so that Nico can be unveiled soon, without having to show up to training at Athletic Club.

However, the chances of happening are looking bleak at the moment as we head into Friday.

Barcelona to activate clause next week

A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered a fresh update on Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams.

The news outlet claims that Barça’s initial plan to activate Nico’s release clause today looks difficult. Instead, the club will try to activate the clause next week.

Nico Williams remains determined to join Barcelona this summer despite complications (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

This was confirmed by Gerard Romero as well, though the Spanish journalist remains confident the deal will go through sooner rather than later.

The major reason behind this delay has been the ongoing negotiation with Nico’s agent, Felix Tainta, who is not willing to back down without demanding a guaranteed registration.

This has come to a point where Tainta has even suggested that Barcelona add a clause which will allow Nico to leave for free if the club fail to register him in time.

Barcelona, though, are not willing to take such a risk under any circumstances, knowing it may have serious ramifications on the club’s balance sheet.

Nico, therefore, will have no option but to take Barcelona’s word for it, as far as the registration process is concerned.

Once the negotiation process smoothens out, Barcelona will be in a position to meet the explosive winger’s release clause worth around €62 million.