Joan Laporta believes Barcelona can afford to sign Nico Williams: Reports

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that the club has the funds to buy Spain and Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who was one of the standouts of Euro 2024 in Germany this summer. Williams, 21, signed a new contract with Athletic at the end of last year, although it has a release clause worth about €58 million ($63 million). Barcelona has over its yearly La Liga spending restriction and is unable to recruit new players, but Laporta is convinced that they will be able to afford players like Williams shortly. 

According to ESPN, Joan Laporta said, "Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams." "Nico's a player I like -- I like him a lot. We are working with [new coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on.

Williams is one of the objectives for strengthening the offensive. His reputation has been further enhanced by his performance at the Euros this summer when he was a key member of Spain's journey to the semifinals. He put up the winning goal against Italy, for which he was voted MVP, then scored and assisted in the 4-1 round-of-16 victory against Georgia last week.

Nico Williams shining for Spain

While in Germany, Williams and Barca combo Lamine Yamal and Pedri were frequently asked about the likelihood of playing together at the Catalan club next season. Yamal, who had a strong friendship with Williams while playing for Spain, and Pedri have both voiced a wish to see him join Barca. 

Williams, on the other hand, has refused to look beyond the Euros, claiming that his main goal is to assist Spain win a fourth European Championship title this month. The Athletic attacker, whose brother, Inaki Williams, is a club teammate, will next play for Spain in the semifinal against France on Tuesday in Munich.