Barcelona have received the support of La Liga president Javier Tebas in their transfer pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.
The Catalan giants have been heavily linked with a move for Williams ahead of the new season despite their financial issues.
Barcelona are continuing a policy of reducing the club’s wage bill to release funds and salary space to make an offer for Williams.
Athletic Club will not listen to offers which fall below Williams’ €58m release clause but the race for the 22-year-old is complicated.
Transfer expert Matteo Moretto believes Barcelona still need to complete a big money sale despite potentially being able to structure a payment over numerous years.
Tebas claimed the possibility of a deal is closer than before with Barcelona improving their fiscal picture.
“If they reach the 1:1 transfer level, they can do a deal. Barcelona’s effort to reduce their wage bill by more than €200m, and with other measures that have taken place, they can bring in a player like Nico Williams “, as per an interview with Diario Sport.
🗣️La Liga president on Barcelona signing Nico Williams this summer
"If they reach the 1:1 transfer level, they can do a deal. Barcelona's effort to reduce their wage bill by more than €200m, and with other measures, they can perfectly bring in a player like Nico Williams." pic.twitter.com/pJsoogcP4y
— Football España (@footballespana_) July 12, 2024
Tebas backed the idea of spreading the outlay over the course of his contract but a long term deal at Barcelona would add extra expense to a move.
No update will be made until next month with Williams set for an extended summer break after the final of Euro 2024.
