Barcelona president to step in and lead negotiations for Nico Williams, €12m salary offered

Just when it seemed like Barcelona had reconciled to the fact that Nico Williams would not arrive this summer, the tables appear to have turned once more.

The player’s recent return to training with Athletic Club and message to fans appeared to confirm that he would stay at the club for next season.

While Barcelona admit that it is a blow to their plans, they refuse to give up.

Laporta to take charge

As revealed in a recent report from SPORT, Laporta still believes the door is open to sign Nico Williams, who in his eyes is a necessity. After all, he has been the president’s most desired signing all summer.

Laporta is convinced that the player will accept the club’s offer if talks are maneuvered the right way.

He has, thus, taken over the operation and will personally handle negotiations instead of Deco.

While the president is determined to convince the player to join, he will maintain the stance that the Barcelona train will not pass again.

If Nico refuses to join this summer, he will never have the chance again.

Finances no longer a worry

The Spanish outlet further reports that Barcelona offer the player a five-year contract with €12 million gross per year, a number that exceeds his salary at Athletic Club.

Moreover, the administration have even explained to the young winger that they have the finances ready to pay his €62 million release clause as a lump sum, and his registration too is not under doubt.

Now one step away from returning to the 1:1 rule, Barcelona are in a financially sound position to secure the youngster’s arrival.

All that remains, however, is to enable a departure without affecting the player’s relationship with Athletic Club, an institution that is very close to his heart.