Nico Williams\' €58 million transfer to Barcelona collapsed after the player\'s representatives requested an exit clause in case the club could not register him. Barcelona sporting director Deco refused to include the clause, ending negotiations despite verbally agreed personal terms.
Williams\' camp wanted guarantee that Barcelona would register him by August 20, just after La Liga\'s first matchday. Barcelona have struggled to register new signings in recent years, with Dani Olmo\'s registration only secured through a court ruling last season.
Barcelona Rejected Exit Clause Despite Previous Precedent
Barcelona had previously included similar exit clauses in contracts for players like Dani Olmo, Ilkay Gundogan, and Jules Kounde. However, Deco rejected Williams\' request after experiencing registration difficulties with Olmo last season.
Sources close to the situation said Deco did not want to risk losing a €58 million asset for free. He promised Williams\' representatives the winger would be registered by the summer transfer window\'s end but would not provide contractual guarantees.
Athletic Club Complained About Barcelona\'s Finances
Athletic Club had complained to La Liga about Barcelona\'s capacity to sign new players while breaking salary limit rules. Athletic president Jon Uriarte met with La Liga president Javier Tebas to scrutinize Barcelona\'s financial standing.
\"Athletic Club want to thank La Liga for their availability and clarity shown in a meeting that took place yesterday,\" Athletic\'s statement read. \"Among the subjects discussed was Barcelona\'s capacity for signing new players.\"
Williams Signs Record Extension With Athletic
Williams signed a new 10-year contract with Athletic Club, becoming the best-paid player in the club\'s history. His salary reaches approximately €10 million annually after tax, significantly more than Barcelona\'s offer.
The Basque Country\'s favorable taxation rules for athletes made the Athletic deal more attractive financially. Former Barcelona financial vice president Eduard Romeu noted Williams would be \"40 per cent more expensive for Barcelona than he is for Athletic Club.\"
Barcelona Turns To Alternative Targets
Barcelona executives learned about Williams\' decision through social media after Athletic\'s announcement video. The club now plans to pursue Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford as alternative left-wing options.
Diaz remains Deco\'s preferred choice, while Rashford represents a more affordable option with Manchester United looking to offload the England international.