Barcelona takes a step back from Nico Williams after demands from player and agent
Athletic Bilbao winger still in Barça’s sights but Bayern Munich could hijack the move
A potential blockbuster signing for Barcelona has hit a major roadblock. According to Sport journalist Fernando Polo, negotiations with Nico Williams have stalled due to concerns raised by the player’s agent over registration guarantees and Barcelona’s financial instability.
What’s Holding Up the Deal?
Nico Williams and his representatives are requesting written guarantees that Barcelona will be able to register him immediately upon signing a request that Barça cannot currently fulfill due to ongoing financial fair play restrictions imposed by La Liga.
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His agent reportedly cited the Dani Olmo situation as a cautionary tale. Olmo faced months of uncertainty and even missed games while Barcelona worked to clear space for his registration in 2024. Nico’s camp fears a similar outcome.
Barça’s Financial Woes Continue
Barcelona’s inability to provide guarantees stems from a debt of €2.4 billion and tight financial fair play controls. The club is walking a fine line with player registrations not just for Williams, but also for goalkeeper Joan García, who was recently signed from Espanyol and is also facing registration uncertainty.
La Liga is closely monitoring Barça’s wage structure and player acquisition costs, meaning any high-profile signings must be carefully managed or risk delays and legal issues.
Bayern Munich Waiting in the Wings
As Barcelona struggles to close the deal, Bayern Munich is quietly preparing to swoop in. The German giants are reportedly ready to activate Nico Williams’ €58 million release clause an amount they consider fair for a rising Spanish international with a proven La Liga track record.
Unlike Barcelona, Bayern can guarantee registration, financial stability, and immediate first-team integration making them a serious threat in the race for the 21-year-old winger.
