Barcelona Nears Financial Capability for Nico Williams Deal, Says Tebas

Barcelona’s Financial Strides Towards Signing Nico Williams

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has provided an optimistic update regarding Barcelona’s potential acquisition of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. Williams, 22, comes with a hefty release clause of €58 million ($63.2 million), which Barcelona is inching closer to affording. The Catalan club’s president, Joan Laporta, recently indicated that Barcelona could potentially secure the Spain international’s signing.

Overcoming Financial Constraints

Currently, Barcelona remains above their LaLiga-imposed annual spending limit, preventing them from registering new signings. However, Tebas has noted significant improvements in the club’s financial situation. According to Tebas, Barcelona’s ability to sign Williams hinges on returning to a 1:1 spending limit, which allows them to invest any funds raised through transfers or savings on wages without exceeding their cap.

“If Barça return to a 1:1 spending limit, meaning they aren’t more than their cap, they will be able to do so,” Tebas told Diario Sport when asked if a deal for Williams would be financially feasible.

Efforts to Reduce Wage Bill

Barcelona has been making considerable efforts to reduce their wage bill by more than €200 million ($218 million). These measures, which have already taken place within the club and are unrelated to their financial levers such as selling assets, are paving the way for potential signings like Nico Williams.

“You have to think that with Barcelona’s efforts to reduce their wage bill by more than €200m and other measures that have already taken place within the club that have nothing to do with their financial levers, it is perfectly possible to bring in a player like Nico Williams,” Tebas explained.

Financial Amortization

Tebas elaborated on the financial logistics of signing Williams, highlighting how the amortization of his transfer fee would be manageable for Barcelona. “I think he has a clause of €58m. When you sign a player for €58m, the amortisation is divided by the years of the contract; if you sign him for three years, it would be less than €20m per year, plus whatever you pay the player,” he said.

Barcelona’s Revenue and Spending Cap

Barcelona’s annual turnover is close to €1 billion, allowing them to accommodate significant signings if they adhere to the 1:1 rule. “Barça are going to be able to be around those amounts, which are perfectly acceptable if they are back within the 1:1 rule. They are a club that is close to €1 billion in turnover, they can be in that range for that type of signing,” Tebas emphasized.

However, Tebas cautioned that the 1:1 scenario must be fulfilled first. “We have to remember that the 1:1 scenario has to be fulfilled first, though. They are not there yet, but it’s the closest they have been. If they get there, they can sign Nico Williams or another player with those characteristics,” he added.

Transfer Market Priorities

ESPN previously reported Barcelona’s intention to sign a midfielder and a left winger this summer, with Williams being the priority for the latter role. The Athletic winger has been a standout performer at Euro 2024, contributing significantly to Spain’s journey to the final against England on Sunday.

Athletic Club’s Stance

Nico Williams’ impressive performances have attracted considerable attention, much to the annoyance of his current club. Athletic Club’s president, Jon Uriarte, expressed frustration over the constant questioning about Williams’ future. “Williams has been subjected to a bombardment of questions,” Uriarte said, criticizing the Spanish Federation for failing to protect the player.

Uriarte also highlighted that Athletic Club is capable of meeting Williams’ ambitions both in sporting and financial terms. Meanwhile, Williams, who celebrated his 22nd birthday recently, has maintained that his sole focus remains on the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, refusing to discuss his future beyond the tournament.

Conclusion

Barcelona’s efforts to stabilize their financial situation are bringing them closer to securing Nico Williams. With a significant wage bill reduction and adherence to LaLiga’s spending limits, the club could soon be in a position to make a high-profile signing. As the summer transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Barcelona and their pursuit of the talented winger.