During the first talks between Barcelona and Nico Williams, the player’s agent did not explicitly propose the clause but instead suggested to Barça sporting director Deco that negotiations resume based on last summer’s agreement. However, according to sources within Barcelona, Nico’s camp still hasn’t abandoned this demand as of late last night.
The sudden request from Williams’ entourage—made just days into the initial contract drafting phase—has frustrated club insiders, who had not anticipated such a condition. In fact, Barça had assumed Nico would sign unconditionally, having informed his agent that compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations would be less challenging this year, with player registrations simpler than the previous season. Last year, the long-term injury to Andreas Christensen enabled the club to register Olmo and Víctor by resolving related issues.
While the club conveyed this stance to Nico through his agent, sources claim he still expects to sign by paying his release clause and secure registration by this Saturday, July 5. Barça, however, has stated it cannot guarantee registration within the specified timeframe, noting that accelerating the release clause payment is feasible, but ensuring registration on schedule exceeds the club’s capabilities.
Barça has made it clear it will not sign any clause that could harm its financial standing. Adding a stipulation allowing Nico to leave freely if unregistered—after the club pays his €62 million release clause—would be a reckless move, exposing the club to significant financial risks and legal liabilities for management.
Reports suggest that if registration fails, Barça may consider facilitating a transfer after the summer window closes rather than acting now, provided they can recover their investment costs.
