At Barcelona, they're very clear about it: Nico Williams's signing won't resemble Dani Olmo's at all. They're different players, with similar prices, different profiles, and above all, different attitudes.
Dani Olmo's case still hurts in the club's offices. Barça had everything in its favor to sign him.
The footballer, raised at La Masia, became a free agent on January 1 because he couldn't be registered. Automatically, he was free, without a contract, and with the possibility to leave.
But he turned down million-euro offers to wait for Barça. His commitment was total. He waited and finally received the reward of his registration through the CSD.
Nico Williams's situation is different. Nico isn't willing to wait.
If Barça doesn't pay him what he asks for or can't register him properly and on time, there won't be a signing. His camp has made this very clear to Joan Laporta.
A clause that puts pressure
According to Madrid-Barcelona.com, Nico's camp has communicated a very clear condition to the club. If he can't be registered, he wants to have the freedom to leave for free.
His intention is to leave the club stranded through a clause that would allow him to break ties with Barça if the operation ends up blocked by LaLiga.
This move has been met with skepticism at the club. The comparison with Dani Olmo is inevitable. The Spanish international chose Barça even knowing he might not be registered.
He stayed waiting. Nico, on the other hand, will only come if everything is set and secured from the very first minute.
Laporta already has a clear path
The good news for Barça is that the signing is now viable. The auditor's report has unlocked €100 million thanks to new income from boxes and VIP seats. That allows the club to operate normally in the market and activate Nico Williams's clause.
Even so, Laporta isn't completely confident. Nico wants total guarantees, a star salary from day one, and, in addition, a project that ensures him a leading role. Flick sees him as a starter, yes, but the club still needs to make room in the squad.
A signing without romanticism
Unlike what happened with other academy graduates or Spaniards who dreamed of wearing the blaugrana jersey, Nico Williams doesn't have emotional ties with Barça. He'll come if he's paid, and if he can be registered. Nothing more, nothing less.
Laporta already knows it. Dani Olmo's romanticism won't be repeated. With Nico, it's black or white, and now, the ball is in Barça's court.