Last month, Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, asserted that the club could activate Nico Williams’ €58 million release clause from Athletic Club despite Barcelona’s ongoing financial difficulties.
The 22-year-old winger has emerged as a primary target for the Catalan club in this summer’s transfer window. However, doubts about the feasibility of this transfer are growing.
Victor Font, who ran against Laporta in the last presidential elections and may do so again in 2026, has publicly challenged Laporta’s claim.
Speaking to The Athletic, Font argued that Barcelona currently lacks the financial capability to pay Williams’ release clause, despite Laporta’s optimistic statements. Font expressed his frustration, stating that while the club’s members are eager to believe in the possibility of signing Williams, the reality is different.
He pointed out that for the past three summers, the club has promised new signings and financial stability, only to see its credibility diminish as those promises remain unfulfilled.
Williams himself appears to share these doubts, which has led to his reluctance to commit to a move this summer, further complicating Barcelona’s pursuit of the talented winger.
