Transfer Corner: Joan Laporta draws optimism on the dream signing of Spain sensation

Player Profile:

Rising through the ranks of the Athletic club came a Basque winger whose brilliance would rule the European Leagues for years to come: A pacy winger by trait, Nico Williams' rise to fame has been exceptional.

Amassing eight goals, alongside 19 assists, Nico Williams had an exceptional last season at the Athletic club. Currently lighting up the Euro 2024 with his talent, the winger has been a dream target for many European giants. Registering 2 goal contributions at the Euros, Williams has been a vital player for De La Fuente's squad in the tournament.

A natural winger with exceptional dribbling, added to his capabilities to play on both flanks, Williams has been a massive transfer prospect ahead of the 2024/25 season due to his ability to torment the opposition backline on his day.

What happened?

22nd June 2024

Diario Sport journalist Toni Juanmartí reported that Nico Williams had become Barca's number 1 priority for the winger position. Moreover, he leads the race over players like Dani Olmo to join the Catalan Giants.

26th June 2024

Former Barca legend Rivaldo acknowledged Williams' brilliance, saying he would be a crucial signing for FC Barcelona. The Brazilian great mentioned that the Barca camp should evaluate the Basque winger based on his performance at the Euros.

28th June 2024

Toni Juanmartí offers a fresh update on the winger's future at the Catalan club. He mentioned that the new in-charge, Hansi Flick, has given Nico Williams' signing a green signal, saying that the German manager likes the winger the most.

4th July 2024

Barca insider Toni Juanmarti reported massive news regarding Nico Williams' move, saying that the winger prefers Barcelona over a move to the Premier League. In addition, President Joan Laporta gave the final green light for the youngster's signing.

5th July 2024

The date read as a crucial aspect in Nico's Barca rumor as Toni Juanmarti confirmed that Barca is progressing with Nico's signing, and they have admitted to La Liga regarding his Barca move.

How's the deal going?

As the deal had already advanced to the negotiations stage, only Joan Laporta's confirmation on Barca's financial situation was left.
Recently, Joan Laporta, in a media address, updated about the financial situation of the club, he said,

"“As of Today, FC Barcelona can financially face the signing of Nico Williams! I like him a lot.”"

- Joan Laporta

With the financial difficulties now sorted at the Catalan club, only the official announcement regarding the move is left. Considering the finances, Barca needs to trigger the release clause of Nico's current contract' however, the club not long before admitted that the €58M clause is reasonable for a player like him.

With him joining the Barca attack alongside Lamine Yamal, the duo seems enough to conquer European football, given the duo's recent heroics at the national level. An attack spearheaded by Lewandowski, with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal joining across the flanks, the Catalan front three seem more than ready to kickstart their 2024/25 campaign.