Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed the club have the money to sign Athletic Club's Spanish winger Nico Williams, who has been one of the revelations of Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
Williams, 21, signed a new deal with Athletic at the end of last year but his contract includes a buyout clause worth around 58 million euros ($63 million).
Barca have exceeded their annual spending limit in La Liga and are unable to register new signings, but Laporta is confident they will sort out their finances soon and be able to afford players like Williams.
“Economically speaking, we could bet on signing Nico Williams,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio on Monday.
“Nico is a player I like, I like him a lot. We are working with him.” [new coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now it's time to get out [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on.
“We will soon be able to announce some good news regarding the financial situation. [issues] and we will be back within the limits of LaLiga's Fair Play. And that will allow for more good news in terms of [signings].”
Williams is one of the targets to bolster the attack. His reputation has received a huge boost at this summer's European Championships, where he has been one of the stars of Spain's run to the semi-finals.
He created the game-winning goal against Italy, when he was named MVP, and scored and assisted in the 4-1 round of 16 win over Georgia last week.
While in Germany, Williams and fellow Barça duo Lamine Yamal and Pedri have been regularly asked about the possibility of them playing together at the Catalan club next season.
Both Yamal, who has formed a close relationship with Williams while playing for Spain, and Pedri have expressed their desire to see him sign for Barca.
However, Williams has refrained from looking beyond the Euros, saying her only focus is on helping Spain win a fourth Euro trophy this month.
The Athletic forward, whose brother Iñaki Williams is a team-mate at the club, will return to action for Spain on Tuesday when they face France in the semi-final in Munich.
