Barcelona’s transfer window is heating up, with boss Hansi Flick keen to put his stamp on the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Catalan giants are balancing ambitious moves with financial constraints, working within La Liga’s tight regulations.
Flick’s pre-season begins on July 13, and the club is determined to bring in reinforcements before then to ensure smooth integration.
After missing out on key targets last summer due to financial restrictions, Barca’s board are being more strategic with timing and structure this time around.
One name has emerged as a priority again — and this time, they’re preparing to make it official.
Barcelona are ready to activate Nico Williams’ €58 million release clause in the first week of July, according to a major update from Mundo Deportivo.
The plan is to trigger the clause on either July 1 or 2 to ensure the transaction falls into the 2025/26 financial year, which begins on July 1.
This will help Barca stay compliant with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations, allowing them to account for the fee without disrupting their current-year balance sheet.
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Beyond financial timing, the Catalans want the deal wrapped up before Nico Williams reports for pre-season training with Athletic Club in the second week of July.
While the Basque club are expecting him to return, Barcelona are pushing to bring him in ahead of their own pre-season schedule.
Barca are also trying to negotiate payment terms that would allow them to split the release clause into instalments.
But tensions between the two clubs — sparked in part by Deco’s previous public comments — could make Athletic less willing to negotiate.
If necessary, Barcelona are prepared to pay the full €58 million plus CPI in one go.
The player’s camp is currently working with both clubs to explore payment options.
Nico, 21, turned down Barca and other offers last summer out of loyalty to Athletic and their European push — a gesture that endeared him to Bilbao fans.
Now, with Barcelona back in for him and the club’s finances more stable, a move to Camp Nou is increasingly likely.
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