According to Spanish radio station Cope, AS and Mundo Deportivo, the possibility of Nico Williams joining Barcelona has diminished significantly, with the Catalans practically ruling out the transfer.
Cope reported that Barcelona lacks the financial resources to register Nico Williams. Meanwhile, AS attributed the breakdown of the deal to Athletic Bilbao’s pressure on the player. Mundo Deportivo added that Athletic Bilbao could renew Williams’ contract and raise his release clause to €100 million.
On Tuesday afternoon, a dramatic shift occurred in the Nico Williams to Barcelona transfer saga. Nearly simultaneously, multiple Spanish outlets reported a decreasing likelihood of the player, who contributed to Spain’s European Championship triumph, leaving Athletic Bilbao. In fact, Barcelona’s pursuit of Dani Olmo from Leipzig appears more concrete.
Xavi’s desire to secure Nico Williams faces numerous obstacles. Barcelona might be able to afford his €58 million release clause, but lacks the financial flexibility to register him. The registrations of Vitor Roque, Iñigo Martínez, and Lenglet are also facing similar hurdles.
AS claimed that Barcelona blamed the pressure on Nico Williams at San Mamés Stadium for the failure to secure his services. Interestingly, just days ago, Athletic Bilbao complained about Barcelona’s excessive pressure on Williams, citing relentless inquiries from Barcelona media regarding the transfer during the team’s training camp in Germany.
Mundo Deportivo reported that Athletic Bilbao intends to extend Nico Williams’ contract and inflate his release clause to €100 million, an amount unacceptable to Barcelona. The Catalans have conveyed their displeasure to Williams, who currently favors staying at Athletic Bilbao for another season and reassessing his future in the summer of 2025. This timeline clashes with Barcelona’s desired transfer timeframe.
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