FC Barcelona is pushing to sign Nico Williams this summer in a bid to strengthen their left wing. The Athletic Club winger has a €58 million release clause, and while Barça intends to trigger it, the deal remains complicated by LaLiga financial rules and ongoing tensions between the two clubs.

Does Barcelona Have the Financial Capacity to Sign Him?

Technically, yes. Barcelona recently secured a fresh cash injection after renewing their Nike sponsorship deal, giving them access to more than €150 million. The club plans to register Nico Williams without needing to sell major assets, though it must still reduce its wage bill to comply with LaLiga’s salary cap regulations.

Potential departures—including Ansu Fati, Ronald Araújo, or Andreas Christensen—could help create the necessary room to meet the league’s 1:1 spending rule, which requires that every euro spent be matched by one euro saved in salaries.

What Are the Main Obstacles to the Transfer?

The most pressing challenge is LaLiga’s 1:1 rule, which demands precise salary balance. Meanwhile, Athletic Club has requested that the league closely audit whether Barcelona is truly in compliance before they agree to the transaction.

There’s also growing institutional tension between the clubs. In Bilbao, officials are frustrated with what they see as pressure tactics on the player and a lack of respect toward the club.

Former Athletic Club coach Marcelino has publicly criticized the high-profile nature of the pursuit, warning that the ongoing media attention could negatively affect Nico Williams’ emotional stability.

When Could the Deal Be Finalized?

Barcelona is aiming to finalize the transfer before July 13, the date Nico Williams is scheduled to report back to Lezama for Athletic Club’s preseason.

If Barça manages to clear enough salary and satisfies LaLiga's financial controls, the 21-year-old winger could join Hansi Flick’s squad in time for their summer tour—but time is running out.