Barcelona are moving aggressively in the summer transfer window as they attempt to reshape the squad for the season ahead.
The German coach has identified key positions that need strengthening, and the club are working with limited financial flexibility to deliver top-tier quality.
After confirming the signing of young Swedish winger Roony Bardghji as a long-term investment, Barca have turned their focus to securing a more immediate upgrade out wide.
It’s no secret that their primary target has already been identified — and agreed terms.
Barcelona have reached a verbal agreement with Spain international Nico Williams, with the Athletic Club winger reportedly eager to join the Catalan outfit this summer.
However, a major roadblock has emerged, as Athletic Club are now taking drastic steps to stop the €62 million deal from going through.
According to Cadena SER, Athletic have no intention of accepting the release clause quietly and are instead planning to formally challenge Barcelona’s ability to finance the transfer.
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Club president Jon Uriarte is currently in Madrid, where he is expected to file a request with both La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to audit all of Barcelona’s financial operations.
Athletic intend to argue that Barcelona are in violation of La Liga’s 1:1 rule — a financial regulation requiring clubs to only spend what they generate — and will push to have the move blocked unless the Blaugrana can prove compliance.
The Basque club are furious with how the transfer has progressed, especially after Nico Williams informed them of his intention to leave and join Barcelona.
Tensions between the two sides are rising, with Athletic fully prepared to go to war over the deal.
While the player’s release clause sits at €62 million, the transaction may not be processed if La Liga upholds Athletic’s complaint.
For Barcelona, it’s a dramatic twist in a transfer saga they believed was nearly complete — and one that could now escalate into a legal and regulatory battle.
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