It's the big saga of the moment at Barcelona. After signing Joan Garcia, who should be the number 1 in goal from the start of the season, FC Barcelona is tackling its attacking sector. In recent days, the priority of the reigning Spanish champions has radically changed. While the efforts of Deco and the management initially seemed to be focused on Luis Diaz (Liverpool), Nico Williams has become the priority , and the major work to bring the Athletic winger to Catalonia has already begun, with meetings on all sides.
The only problem, and not the least: the price of the Spanish international. With Athletic having no intention of negotiating and allowing Barça to pay for this transfer in several installments, the Catalans have no choice: they must pay his €60 million release clause in cash. Something the club managed by Joan Laporta is currently unable to do.
A mandatory departure
Unsurprisingly, as AS indicates , it will be necessary to sell before imagining Williams in the Blaugrana jersey. There are two main candidates for a departure currently: Ronald Araujo, the Uruguayan defender, coveted in Italy in particular, and who will have a release clause of 60 million euros during the first two weeks of July. Then, Fermin Lopez, coveted in the Premier League and in Saudi Arabia, even if Barça and Flick do not necessarily want to get rid of him. These are the only two credible leads, since the other players with high market value in the squad are considered untouchable, mainly because of their status as starters.
As for unwanted players like Christensen, Pablo Torre, Pau Victor, Ansu Fati, or Iñaki Peña, their sales won't be enough to finance the Williams deal. A highly-rated player will therefore have to be sold, and it will come down to the Uruguayan or the Spanish midfielder. A painful sacrifice for FC Barcelona, then, since even a player like Ronald Araujo was in the German coach's plans.
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