Barcelona has advanced quite far in the Nico Williams deal and stands just one step away from closing on the deal. With their proposals submitted to the winger's agent, Barca needs the final green light from Nico to officially declare the signing. Though the transfer seems to be a win-win situation for FC Barcelona, it doesn't come cheap.
For Nico Williams's signing, Barca needs to trigger the release clause of his current Bilbao contract. Even though Barca has strengthened their financial standings recently, €58 million isn't an easy amount for the club to pay. Understandably, reports indicate that his transfer needs the sale of a player from Barcelona's attack.
Barcelona keeps the possibility of a midfield signing on hold
Not only that, Nico's transfer deal has, in a way, deprived Barcelona of targeting any midfield options. Breaking the bank for Nico, Barca doesn't look in a favorable situation to account for any further signings. This has, in a way, created an immense problem, as with De Jong and Pedri out due to injury, Barca are left with a few options to bolster their midfield.
As a possible solution, manager Hansi Flick views leveraging the academy's talents until their main players return. Flick was impressed with the academy talents like Bernal, Casado, and Darvich, and their getting an opportunity to feature in the playing XI shouldn't be a surprise, considering Barca's midfield woes.
Bernal and Darvich have been an integral part of last season's Barca Atletic, capitalizing on the defensive and attacking midfield roles, respectively. On the other hand, Casado has been promoted to the first team ahead of the 2024–25 season, knowing the player's utility in holding the defense.
Thus, even though Barca doesn't have many feasible options left in the transfer market, they can still work wonders if they manage their young talents judiciously. Entering the new season, Flick would hope their star midfielders recover as soon as possible, with their young talents booming for them as always.