It’s been clear for some while now that Barcelona want to land exciting Athletic Club talent, Nico Williams, but as the two teams prepare to do battle this coming weekend, the 22-year-old is still no closer to joining the Blaugranes.
Though it isn’t clear if the player’s preference is to move clubs in this window, the Catalans are clearly going all out to ensure that they’re on the right side of Financial Fair Play and can be in a position to afford Williams if the opportunity is going to present itself.
Nico Williams to Barcelona if the Catalans shed three players?
According to CaughtOffside columnist and transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, there are three deals that the Spanish top-flight club are hoping to do within the next week and a half, and that would potentially open up the possibility of Williams becoming a Barcelona player.
?? Understand Pep Guardiola has already approved Ilkay Gündogan’s return to Manchester City.
Pep wants Gündo back as talks are now taking place with his camp, first contact made yesterday.
Decision up to Gündogan as he has proposals also from Saudi/Qatar; Man City, on it. pic.twitter.com/7jdk9l6WiD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2024
?? EXCL: Lille have entered the race to sign Mika Faye from Barcelona by sending an official bid!
Lille and Rennes are leading the race as both clubs have sent official proposals to Barça in the recent days.
Barça will only let him to with buy-back clause and sell-on clause. pic.twitter.com/vT6q0X5fiz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2024
??? Crucial hours ahead for Vitor Roque as he’s set to decide his future together with Barça board.
Sporting want to sign him on permanent deal for package in excess of €30m add-ons included.
Real Betis insist on loan move to stay in Liga for one more season. pic.twitter.com/sK4saZEcfH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2024
Ilkay Gundogan – to Man City, Mikayil Faye to Lille or Rennes and Vitor Roque to Real Betis or Sporting are the deals that are seemingly being discussed at present.
As has been seen on many occasions in the past, just because serious discussions are taking place, deals can collapse for a variety of reasons.
From Barcelona’s point of view, because of the alleged financial mismanagement of the previous regime – which included handing Frenkie de Jong a contract worth over €700,000 per week (Capology) – it’s imperative that they get the wage bill down.
With an overbooking in their midfield now too – De Jong, Gavi, Fermin, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Marc Bernal and Marc Casado all have first-team berths this season – there’s a good enough reason to allow Gundogan – on a reported €360,577 per week – to move on.
The financial aspect of the Faye and Roque deals aren’t likely to make as much of a dent, however, every little helps as far as Barcelona are concerned.