FC Barcelona, despite the obstacles posed by LaLiga's Javier Tebas, remains determined to add Nico Williams to their squad next season.
At the blaugrana club, they are clear that Nico Williams is far from the records of the two Barça players who play in his position: Lamine and Raphinha. Williams has played 26 LaLiga matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists.
In the Europa League, he has played 10 matches, with 4 goals and 2 assists. At the Cup, his record is 2 matches, 1 goal, and 0 assists.
But at Barça, they are convinced that Nico Williams would show better records embedded in Hansi Flick's tactical system. Deco has communicated this to the Athletic player in a phone call that has served to resume contacts.
Nico Williams's Price Remains the Same
Williams was almost at Barça last summer. There was no need to convince him because he was more than convinced. However, the club couldn't register him, thanks to Javier Tebas's efforts, and the operation fell through.
Nico Williams, then in vogue after his excellent Euro Cup with Spain, understood the situation and returned to Athletic. He agreed with his club for one more year in Bilbao in exchange for all the facilities to leave a year later. Meanwhile, the player is motivated, fighting for the Europa League, whose final will be held at San Mamés.
Nico Williams accepted one more year in Bilbao. But he hasn't wanted to extend his contract with a new renewal. Nor change the terms of his release clause, which remains at 60 million.
For that price, Nico Williams is one of the great attractions of the market. Deco knows that he has Barça positioned as the main option in his future decision. But he also knows that Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Arsenal are also willing to pay his clause without batting an eye.
He Doesn't Want to Go Through the Situation Dani Olmo Has Experienced
His friendship with Lamine, the team's performance this season, the club's greatness, and the city attract Nico Williams. But he has also conveyed to Deco his conditions to sign for Barça.
Scalded by what happened last summer, he doesn't want to repeat the experience. Especially after the problems Dani Olmo continues to have with his registration. He doesn't want, in any way, to be the protagonist of a similar situation.
Nico Williams wants to be sure that if he signs for Barça, he will be registered immediately. There are also updates regarding the figures agreed upon last season. Nico Williams believes his soccer has improved, and what was negotiated last year is outdated.
He wants more money than agreed last summer and desires to be at Raphinha's salary level, which is 12.5 million net per season. Nico currently earns 10.5 million gross at Athletic.
Nico Williams Won't Wait for Barça All Summer
Nico Williams's demands haven't pleased Deco, who will have to balance to satisfy him. And manage to ensure the club complies with financial fair play rules.
What is certain is that Nico Williams won't land at Barça if the VIP box issue isn't solved first. And two high-salary players don't leave the club (Ronald Araújo and Eric García).
Nico Williams understands this, but he has conveyed to Deco that he won't wait for Barça all summer. He has other very interesting offers. If Barça doesn't act quickly, he will end up flying and breaking his dream of playing alongside his friend Lamine Yamal.