Spain’s Euro 2024-winning star Nico Williams is reportedly on the verge of completing a high-profile transfer from Athletic Bilbao to Barcelona. However, before the deal is officially sealed, the talented winger has made one final request to the Catalan giants—he wants guaranteed registration for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Williams has already turned down attractive offers from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, demonstrating his strong desire to join Barcelona. His motivation stems not just from the opportunity to play at one of Europe’s most iconic clubs, but also from a personal ambition—to play regularly alongside close friend Lamine Yamal in the Barcelona attack.
With the player’s release clause set at £49.5 million, Barcelona are financially capable of activating the clause. But according to reports from Marca, the transfer won’t proceed until the club provides concrete assurances regarding Williams’ registration with La Liga.
Williams Seeks Clarity After Witnessing Dani Olmo’s Registration Ordeal
Nico Williams’ insistence on registration clarity is not without reason. The 21-year-old is reportedly wary of facing the same issues experienced by Dani Olmo, whose registration with Barcelona was delayed due to the club exceeding its La Liga salary cap.
At the time, Olmo had to wait until the Spanish National Sports Council intervened to resolve the matter—causing the midfielder to miss the early part of the season. Williams wants to avoid a similar situation, especially after signing what is believed to be a six-year contract through 2031.
To meet this demand, Barcelona must first reduce their current wage bill—a financial reality that may force the club to offload several players to create salary space within their economic structure.
Barcelona Preparing Squad Clear-Out to Ensure Williams’ Immediate Registration
The impending arrival of Nico Williams is part of a larger summer overhaul at Camp Nou. The club is also finalizing deals for goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol and rising Swedish star Roony Bardghji from FC Copenhagen. These new signings all need to be registered before they can take part in the start of the 2025/26 season.
The arrival of Garcia could have significant implications for Barcelona’s current goalkeeping situation. Veteran Marc-André ter Stegen and recent signing Wojciech Szczęsny may not both remain at the club. Though reports suggest Barça are open to extending Szczęsny’s contract, a decision is yet to be finalized.
In defense, the futures of Ronald Araújo, Eric García, and Andreas Christensen are also under review. Any sale from this group could contribute to easing the club’s salary constraints.
Midfield and Attack Under Restructuring as Well
Barcelona’s midfield may also see changes. Marc Casadó is being linked with a move to the Premier League, while both Pablo Torre and Fermín López are rumored to be seeking loan deals to gain more regular playing time elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Ansu Fati is reportedly close to sealing a loan move to AS Monaco, a transfer that would significantly reduce the club’s wage bill and free up a squad slot for new arrivals like Williams.
Barcelona Rushing to Fulfill Williams’ Condition
Club executives understand that registering Nico Williams without delay is essential—not only to satisfy the player’s request but also to send a strong signal of stability and strategic direction in this new era under their evolving project.
Williams has made it clear: he wants to be a core part of the first team from day one, with no administrative delays or distractions. By honoring this final request, Barcelona will not only secure a top talent but also reaffirm their ambitions to rebuild a squad capable of dominating both in Spain and across Europe.
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