Barcelona pessimistic about signing Spanish-Ghanaian winger Nico Williams

Barcelona’s hopes of signing Spain winger Nico Williams are fading fast as the club grapples with financial constraints that threaten to derail the deal.

Williams, who has Ghanaian heritage through his parents, has been a long-term target for the Catalan giants this summer.

However, efforts to secure his signature from Athletic Club have hit significant roadblocks, leaving the deal in serious doubt.

Athletic are unwilling to negotiate below the €58 million release clause in Williams’s contract, and are insisting that the fee be paid in full and upfront.

That demand, combined with Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles, has left the La Liga side in a difficult position.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has previously warned that the Blaugrana would be unable to register the 22-year-old under current financial regulations, and that reality is starting to set in at the Camp Nou.

According to Marca, Barcelona are now increasingly “pessimistic” about completing the transfer.

The report adds that Williams is seeking firm guarantees he will be registered and eligible to play before agreeing to join — a condition Barcelona cannot currently meet.

While the club is still exploring the option of selling players to free up space on the wage bill, only Ansu Fati has been offloaded so far.

Time is quickly running out, and unless Barcelona can generate significant funds through player sales or other financial manoeuvres, a move for Williams now appears unlikely.

Williams has attracted interest from other European clubs following his standout performances for club and country.