Barcelona hopes to complete the signing of Nico Williams next week, but a key could now have been thrown into the works.
It is obvious that Williams will join Barcelona, 12 months after rejecting the move in favor of the Athletic Club. Personal conditions have already been agreed, which was not the case in 2024, but the Catalans have assured that they are able to pay his release clause, which will amount to € 62 million (€ 58 million for the clause itself, € 4 million CPI).
But despite the fact that personal conditions have been agreed, Marca has reported that Williams Barcelona has asked to ensure that he will be registered with La Liga before the start of the 2025-26 season.
Barcelona must register Williams in addition to the already signed Joan Garcia, who is expected to be the starting goalkeeper of the club next season. And although Joan Laporta has assured that there will be no problems in this respect, La Liga has stated that the Catalans have not yet returned to the 1: 1 rule that would affect their chances of a deal.
Barcelona has to sell players to guarantee that Williams can be registered, such as Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Pablo Torre and Ansu Fati among those who have been identified as prominent candidates to leave. But it is not certain that the club can do the required company, and after the debacle with Dani Olmo and Pau Victor it is understandable that Williams is looking for guarantees.
For the time being, Williams is expected to sign for Barcelona, with the idea that his release clause will be activated on Tuesday or Wednesday. As soon as that happens, he can officially participate, although it can take a while before it is registered with La Liga.