Nico Williams: Barcelona transfer collapsed over LaLiga registration fears, says agent

Barcelona came close to signing Athletic Club forward Nico Williams but could not guarantee that he would be registered under LaLiga’s financial rules, according to his agent Felix Tainta.

The Catalan club have twice attempted to recruit the Spain international, but the proposed move now appears to have ended after Williams chose to extend his contract with Athletic Club until 2035.

Williams’ performances during Spain’s successful UEFA Euro 2024 campaign attracted Barcelona’s attention. However, Athletic Club initially resisted the club’s approach before the possibility of a transfer was revisited last summer.

Barcelona held direct discussions with Williams and his representatives, while Athletic Club were prepared to sell if the player’s €60M release clause was paid.

Despite the pressure surrounding the situation, Williams ultimately decided to remain in Bilbao. His new agreement increased his release clause to €90M.

Tainta said Barcelona’s financial difficulties were central to the failure of the transfer, with the club unable to provide certainty that Williams could be registered within LaLiga’s financial regulations.

“He renewed in December 2023, even though he was due to be a free agent in 2024. We understood he couldn't leave for free,” Tainta said.

“We renewed with the same clause.”

The agent added that Williams had wanted to leave, but the uncertainty over his registration meant a move could have carried too much risk, particularly with a World Cup approaching.

“Nico had the idea of leaving. However, in a World Cup year, if there were no guarantees that he could play, we couldn't take the risk,” he said.

Williams’ decision means Barcelona have failed to secure the forward despite maintaining their interest over two separate attempts. The club’s inability to guarantee his registration was ultimately decisive in preventing the agreement from being completed.