Barcelona confident deal for priority target can be closed next week | OneFootball

According to the latest update from journalist Gerard Romero (h/t Carpetas Blaugranas), optimism is growing inside the Barcelona camp regarding the long-anticipated signing of Nico Williams.

In fact, sources within the club believe that the deal could be closed as early as next week, although some voices are urging caution, preferring to wait until the current financial year concludes before making a final assessment.

This comes on the heels of several strong developments surrounding the move. President Joan Laporta recently hinted informally to Barcelona senators that the “exciting signing” he alluded to during a speech is indeed Nico Williams.

While he stopped short of calling the transfer complete, Laporta’s tone reflected quiet confidence and a sense of inevitability about the Athletic Club winger’s arrival.

Awaiting financial breakthrough

Barcelona are growing optimistic about signing Nico Williams. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The timing could not be better, as Barça’s financial flexibility is set to improve drastically after a breakthrough in the €40 million dispute with Libero Football Finance AG.

As reported earlier, Libero is now expected to honour its payment, ensuring Barcelona will soon regain their ability to operate under La Liga’s 1:1 rule, a critical condition to finalise major signings like Nico’s.

This financial boost will allow the club to shift from strategy to execution. Barça have already agreed on personal terms with Nico, and now the focus turns to reaching an agreement with Athletic Club.

Talks are still delicate, as Bilbao insist on the full payment of his €62 million release clause. Barcelona, however, are trying to replicate a payment model similar to Arsenal’s deal for Martin Zubimendi, paying a slightly higher amount but in structured instalments.

Despite the tension between both clubs and Athletic’s reluctance to negotiate directly with Barça, the player’s firm desire to join the Catalan side is accelerating the process.