Barcelona have reportedly agreed personal terms with Nico Williams but are currently unable to complete the deal due to unresolved financial issues
Bayern Munich are intensifying their bid to land Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, seizing on the uncertainty clouding Barcelona’s pursuit of the Spain international. Barcelona’s move for the player has stalled due to concerns over the Catalan club’s financial position.
According to reports in Germany, Bayern have significantly upped their salary proposal in a renewed effort to convince Williams to snub a move to the La Liga champions.
Bayern are said to be offering a €12 million net salary per year, an aggressive bid that dwarfs those of other suitors and shows their determination to steal the deal just as a move to Catalonia seemed all but certain for Williams.
Barcelona have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Spain international and are preparing to activate his release clause, but they are yet to provide full assurances that they can register the player in time for the new season.
That delay is largely due to unresolved issues with the club’s wage structure as they struggle to comply with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.
Athletic Club officials travelled to Madrid last week to meet with La Liga executives, seeking confirmation about whether or not Barcelona are in the financial position to do a deal for Williams, with Athletic eager to keep him.
The club later published a statement saying that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has “admitted that his club ‘is working to comply with the 1:1 rule’”, which means that they do not “currently meet the requirements of the said rule for player registration”.
Williams has not spoken publicly about his future, but sources close to the situation say he is interested in a move to Barcelona and is waiting for the Catalan club to do a deal.
Bayern have a much clearer financial standing and a good sporting project, so it remains to be seen whether that can influence the player’s decision. The German club have parted ways with Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller, and reportedly consider Williams as an ideal fit for their front line.