The Athletic FC Podcast How can Barcelona afford Nico Williams?
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Jun 23, 2025 Pol Ballus, Barcelona correspondent for The Athletic, and Phil Hay, writer for The Athletic FC, dive into Barcelona's ambitious move to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao amidst ongoing financial troubles. They explore how Barcelona can navigate these challenges with strategies like offloading players and pulling financial levers. The duo also discusses the impact of Williams' dynamic playing style on the team, the club's youth talents like Pedri, and potential transfer targets that could shape Barcelona's future.
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Nico Williams Signing Likely
- Barcelona sees signing Nico Williams as highly likely due to his strong desire and flexibility regarding contract caveats.
- His good fit with the football style and positive dressing room relations support Barcelona's push for the deal.
Financial Mechanics Behind Williams Deal
- Barcelona must pay Nico Williams' £50 million release clause in a single payment and manage salary limits by offloading current players.
- The salary cap issues mean Barcelona rely heavily on sales and contract terminations to register newcomers like Williams.
Williams Accepts Barcelona Salary
- Nico Williams rejects a lucrative Athletic contract to join Barcelona for about €6 million net annually.
- This salary suits Barcelona's wage scale, balancing club affordability with player's priority to join Barca.