We Can’t Sign Nico Williams – Barcelona

Barcelona presidential hopeful Victor Font insists that the club cannot afford to sign Nico Williams this summer.

Font spoke to The Athletic about his hopes of becoming president of Barca in the future – he ran for the presidency in 2021 and hopes to do so again in 2026. Nevertheless, he insists the club simply do not have the financial faculties to secure Williams’ signature.

Williams has a release clause worth €58 million (£48m/$63m) but reports have suggested that the Euro 2024 winner is minded to stay at Athletic Club, having been offered a new contract. There is also interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Chelsea, but he may well be remaining at San Mames instead of making an expected big-money transfer.

Font said: “I wish we could sign Nico Williams as it is what we need. The president [Joan Laporta] has said it is possible, but that is not true. Today, it cannot be done. We hope it will be possible tomorrow, or the following day. But today, it is not.”

Williams will be looking to add some clarity soon. Either he decides to stay at Bilbao, or a late twist sees him agree a move elsewhere.