The Catalan club have reportedly agreed on personal terms with the Spanish winger until 2031, but La Liga’s FFP rules pose major obstacles to sealing the deal.
Introduction:
FC Barcelona have taken a major step toward landing their top summer target, Nico Williams. According to sources close to the negotiations, the Spanish winger has reached a pre-agreement with the Catalan club that would see him sign a long-term deal until 2031 worth €12 million annually. While all appears smooth between player and club, the challenge now lies in navigating the complex financial terrain dictated by La Liga’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Despite this, Barça remain hopeful they can finalize the transfer in the coming weeks.
Barcelona have reportedly reached a full pre-agreement with Nico Williams on a long-term contract that would keep the talented winger at Camp Nou until the summer of 2031.
The new deal, valued at €12 million per year, reflects how highly the Catalan giants rate the 21-year-old Spain international.
The breakthrough comes after a crucial face-to-face meeting between Williams and newly appointed manager Hansi Flick.
Club sources claim the player left the meeting fully convinced of the project being built under the German tactician.
His commitment to wearing the blaugrana jersey is now seen as a matter of "when," not "if."
Williams, currently with Athletic Club, has seen his stock skyrocket in recent months. His pace, flair, and intelligent decision-making have made him one of La Liga’s standout performers and a top target for several elite clubs.
Yet despite interest from across Europe, the winger has chosen Barcelona as his next destination.
However, the most significant hurdle remains financial.
Barcelona must first gather sufficient funds to trigger Williams’ €58 million buyout clause. That amount, in addition to his proposed wages, poses a serious challenge under La Liga’s current Financial Fair Play framework.
Club officials admit that the deal is "very difficult" from a financial standpoint and will require calculated player sales and possibly deferred payment structures to comply with the league’s economic rules.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao have not given up hope.
The Basque club have reportedly tabled a renewed contract offer in a last-ditch attempt to convince Williams to stay.
Still, the player’s clear desire to move to Barcelona seems to be the deciding factor tipping the balance.
The situation took a significant turn recently when Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, held an intense sit-down meeting with Williams’ agent. That conversation, insiders say, was instrumental in aligning both sides on a path forward.
Interestingly, Liverpool's Luis Díaz had long been considered the top candidate for Barça’s left-wing position.
But Williams' rise in both footballing performance and popularity—boosted in part by a cryptic social media post from Lamine Yamal—has made him the clear favorite within the club’s hierarchy.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta, along with key board members, is now fully invested in closing the transfer.
The hope inside Camp Nou is that Williams will be the missing piece in the club's attacking rebuild under Hansi Flick.
His profile fits the club’s new sporting direction: young, energetic, and already proven at the top level.
With preseason approaching fast, Barça are under pressure to resolve the financial pieces of the puzzle quickly.
Fans remain cautiously optimistic, waiting for the official announcement that could mark one of the summer’s most talked-about signings.
If the Catalan club can overcome the economic challenges, Nico Williams' arrival could signal the start of a new, exciting chapter for FC Barcelona.
