The three keys that bring Nico Williams closer to FC Barcelona (more than ever)

Signing a star like Nico Williams is not easy, on the contrary, it is a difficult and complex task. To be successful you need to have an almost unlimited budget and it is essential to play your cards with intelligence, calmness, discretion and patience, a lot of patience. Haste and nerves never add up, they always subtract. And in the world of football, negotiations are a race against time, full of obstacles and unexpected setbacks. At any moment the scenario can change, going from having a signing “almost closed” to “almost ruled out”. The variables involved are so many that a change of direction is almost normal in any negotiation.

To achieve the set objective and try to successfully close the operation, it is necessary to complete all of the following screens, and also bear in mind that, even if you do, it could fail.

1. Reach an agreement with the selling club
2. Reach an agreement with the player
3. Outbid/outbid rival teams
4. Do not give in to the pressure of the moment, the times and the environment
5. Negotiate discreetly and avoid leaks
6. Do not allow news and rumors from the press to set the pace

The possible signing of Nico Williams for FC Barcelona is a clear example of what was mentioned above, fulfilling almost all the points. The rumours began in the middle of the Euro Cup, becoming news and then negotiations confirmed just after the tournament ended. Since then we have witnessed all the phases listed, going from “almost signed by Barça” at the beginning to “staying at Athletic” in recent days.

In the end, almost all the information that accompanies the “Nico Williams operation” is based on interpretations, legitimate, and leaks, almost all of them self-serving, but almost never on verified, confirmed and/or conclusive facts. So, although at the moment the story that is being imposed and is also followed by the majority of media is that “Nico will stay at Athletic and will not sign for Barcelona”, at FCBN we have decided to go against the current and make our own interpretation.

After analysing all the chapters of this negotiation, we have come to the conclusion that, although it may seem incredible, right now Nico Williams could be closer than ever to signing for FC Barcelona. Below, we explain it to you in three key points that we consider important and proven.

The three keys that approach to Nico Williams to the FC Barcelona

Nico Williams' silence confirms everything

This is undoubtedly the most important point of all, the one that confirms and leaves no doubt about what is really happening. Since Barça's interest in signing him was made public, in the middle of the Euro Cup, there has been no statement or denial from the player or his representative denying the facts and, in the process, putting an end to any rumours about his future. The opposite has happened, the player has been discreet and polite, not making statements, but his winks with Lamine Yamal have been continuous and his agent's meetings with Deco have been public.

Furthermore, it is surprising that, being officially an Athletic player, he has not made a single public gesture towards his current club, causing a situation that is at least curious. And the fact is that Athletic, despite the latest information, is still waiting, just like Barcelona, ​​for the player's final decision. The difference is that Nico Williams has a contract with the Basque team, not with the Catalan one.

The interpretation of this silence seems quite clear, it gives the impression that the striker is still negotiating his exit and, to cover his back in case the signing does not go through, he would keep open the possibility of continuing. If it were not so, this matter would have been closed weeks ago, right?

The three keys that approach to Nico Williams to the FC Barcelona

Nerves, pressure and silence from Athletic

From the beginning of this soap opera, Athletic has been a prisoner of events. As soon as FC Barcelona's interest in Nico Williams became public, the Basque team decided to "declare war" on the Catalans. Their first decision was not to negotiate the transfer and demand full payment of his release clause, an intelligent and uncritical move, quite the opposite.

But then they used inappropriate arguments, pointing fingers and accusing Barcelona unfairly. Athletic is not in a position to give lessons to anyone on this issue. For many years, the San Mamés club's transfer policy has been to legitimately hire the young talents who are being trained in Basque and Navarrese teams. Economically, these clubs cannot compete with Athletic and have to resign themselves and sell. This is how the "lions" have managed to have one of the best youth teams in the world, or not?

Then came the nerves, Barcelona were serious… Athletic can’t accept the departure of Nico Williams for “just 60 million” after becoming one of the stars of the Euros and his price skyrocketing. The Basque team is a prisoner of the figures agreed in the last renewal, and of course, at that time 60 million seemed a very reasonable figure, but after the Euros it no longer does.

Thus began the campaign of pressure by land, sea and air, on the player, his entourage and FC Barcelona. Statements from directors, players, journalists… everything was valid if they managed to retain the player. Did I say retain?… Athletic’s plan is much more ambitious.

The latest move that the Bilbao team is trying is to renew Nico Williams, that is, to sign a new contract where his salary, and that of his brother, increases generously, but above all what really increases is his clause… It is obvious what they are trying to do, keep him for one season and transfer him next summer for a much higher figure. Phenomenal.

The FC Barcelona follows litigating by the signing of Nico

Barça's counteroffer and Lamine Yamal

The third and last of the keys is Barça and the fashionable striker, Lamine Yamal. The possible signing of Nico Williams has excited the Barça fans to such an extent that, at this point, Laporta cannot allow himself to fail in signing him. The club has been feeding the feeling that the signing was almost done and now changing the story seems unpopular and not advisable. Not even the “plan b” would heal the wounds, in that sense it seems almost an obligation to get Nico's signing. Not doing so would be “expensive” and could be dangerous for the future of the Barça president.

The “Lamine Yamal factor” also seems to be having an important weight in the negotiation. The friendship between both players, and with the rest of the members of La Roja, would facilitate and much the adaptation of the Athletic striker to Barcelona. In terms of sport, his signing would be a perfect antidote to Mbappé's signing for Real Madrid and would also allow Barça to form one of the most fearsome duos in Europe.

Finally, it should be noted that the latest information points to a counteroffer from FC Barcelona that would considerably improve the conditions previously offered to the player. If this point is true and we add that, despite it being considered confirmed, the player has not yet made his decision public, everything seems to indicate that the negotiation is still alive, much more alive than many imagine. We will soon find out.

INFO: You can follow the last hour of the possible signing of Nico Williams doing click in this link