Barcelona unlikely to be pay Nico Williams’ release clause tomorrow; Laporta in contact with agent | OneFootball

Nico Williams continues to be at the centre of the transfer speculation surrounding FC Barcelona.

The 22-year-old winger has made it clear that he wishes to join the Blaugrana, who are also keen on securing his services after missing out last summer.

In fact, reports earlier this week went as far as suggesting that Barcelona plan to pay Nico’s €62 million release clause on Friday so as to complete the transfer before he has to return to training at Athletic Club.

Payment unlikely tomorrow

However, according to Gerard Romero on Jijantes, as things stand, it is unlikely that Barcelona will pay Nico’s €62 million release clause tomorrow.

Romero expressed great optimism about the signing earlier this week, stating that he gives the operation a ‘150%’ chance of being completed.

However, as things stand, there still remain some minor differences between the player’s agent, Felix Tainta, and Barça with regard to the guarantees of the winger’s registration. And until that is resolved, things might not move forward.

Laporta in direct contact with Nico’s agent. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

To that end, Romero reports that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has had direct contact with Tainta to address the situation.

As far as the mood in the Barcelona camp is concerned, they are calm and relaxed as they believe that Nico’s desire to join the club will outweigh his agent’s insistence on the registration guarantees.

Romero reiterates that the contract agreement remains in place and everything is set up for the operation to go through. As such, optimism continues to persist within the Barcelona offices.

As reported previously, there remain some in the Barça offices who prefer Luis Diaz over Nico. The Liverpool winger has rejected an approach from Bayern Munich, hoping that the Catalans will come calling.

But, as things stand, Barcelona remain focused on Nico and are calm about the situation. However, his release clause is unlikely to be paid on Friday as previously suggested.