Barcelona keeps planning its squad for next season. In terms of signings, Joan Laporta has been clear when speaking to the members: there will be two signings, one imminent (Joan García) and the other a desired one. The latter is Nico Williams, with whom negotiations are at their peak, having already reached a multi-year agreement. In this regard, it seems they don't want to delay the matter much, to the point that on "El Chiringuito" they've already set a date for the payment of his release clause.
Nico Williams will soon belong to Barça
Speaking on the Twitch channel of "El Chiringuito", José Álvarez, who is well connected with the Barça board, has been clear and direct regarding Nico Williams's signing:
"Joan Laporta has made an appearance before Barça's Senate. He spoke about an imminent signing and a desired one that's on the way. The imminent one is Joan García, because it's been announced, but it'll be signed on Friday. That desired signing on the way, yesterday we said it was on track, done, it's Nico Williams. Laporta has confirmed it. Deco, Echevarría, and Bojan are in Ibiza finalizing the details of this matter. The signing is on track, all parties agree, and Barça has the money and the ability to pay the release clause. In 2-3 weeks, they want him to be ready for preseason, they'll finalize the signing by paying the clause," said José Álvarez.
Barça waits for...
Madrid-Barcelona, after consulting sources at Barcelona, has been able to confirm José Álvarez's information. The plan is clear: they want to close the financial year on June 30 before executing the payment of Nico Williams's release clause. What Barça wants is to know firsthand and officially how much money it has available to carry out the operation safely and without causing 'fair play' issues.
Nico Williams agrees with this plan, not having to return to Bilbao until July 10. The idea is clear and they expect to move quickly. The contract is finalized with the Navarrese forward, who will sign for the next six seasons with a rising salary starting at €6 million net.
To wear Barcelona's jersey, Nico Williams has decided to reject a higher salary offer from Athletic Club, as well as interest from top European clubs like Bayern, Chelsea, or Arsenal. He himself has insisted on picking up the phone to reactivate the operation, apologizing and once again putting his name on Joan Laporta's table.