Barcelona must sell an attacking player before signing top target – report
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have struck up a fine partnership for Spain at the ongoing European Championships. The duo share great chemistry on the field and complement each other’s profiles, providing La Roja with much-needed verticality.
Since Barcelona eye the 16-year-old protege as the centrepiece of their long-term project, Joan Laporta and Co. are convinced that Williams is the most important transfer target for the club this summer.
While negotiations between Barcelona and Athletic Club are still not underway, talks will accelerate after Sunday’s Euro final.
The prerequisite condition
Earlier today, La Liga president Javier Tebas spoke about Barcelona’s attempt to sign Nico Williams and admitted publicly that the Catalans were close to returning to the 1:1 transfer rule. The Basque star’s transfer thus was not out of reach, he stated.
As emphasized by Tebas, however, Barcelona are still not quite where they need to be financially to sign Williams.
As revealed in a recent report by the Daily Briefing, the Catalans must facilitate a departure in attack before signing the Basque winger.
Raphinha, for long, has been seen as the pawn likely to be traded especially considering that he will no longer be a starter if Williams arrives. Given his market value and the abundance of offers on his table, he continues to be a strong candidate.
Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati, meanwhile, are other options although they will not generate close to as much revenue as the Brazilian’s sale will.
Agreement in place
Nico Williams has a release clause of €58 million in his current contract with Athletic Club and triggering it appears to be the best way for Barcelona to proceed with the heist.
As revealed earlier this week, the Catalans have an agreement in principle with the 21-year-old over a transfer and are confident in their chances despite interest from Europe’s elite.
After all, Williams prefers staying in Spain and the club are getting closer to being able to trigger the release clause with every passing day.