As of today, FC Barcelona can’t register Bayern Munich transfer target Nico Williams

As of August 15, 2025, FC Barcelona is unable to register Spanish winger Nico Williams due to strict La Liga financial regulations. Despite showing strong interest in the Athletic Club star, Barcelona’s ongoing economic limitations and salary cap constraints have forced them to pull back from a potential deal.

La Liga president Javier Tebas confirmed that Barcelona currently fails to meet the league’s 1:1 financial rule, which allows clubs to spend only as much as they save or earn. This rule applies not only to transfer fees but also to player salaries. While Barça may have been willing to pay Nico’s €58 million release clause, they still lacked the necessary salary cap space to officially register him.

Complicating matters further, Nico Williams’ representatives demanded contractual guarantees that he would be registered in time for the start of the season. This was likely influenced by Barcelona’s recent issues registering players like Dani Olmo and Vitor Roque, where delays affected pre-season plans. Barcelona refused to include these guarantees, given their uncertain financial situation. This lack of assurance reportedly played a significant role in Nico’s decision to remain with Athletic Club.

In early July, Nico Williams officially renewed his contract with Athletic Bilbao, extending his stay until 2035. This extension not only removed the release clause that Barcelona could have triggered but also put an end to any speculation about a move to Bayern Munich or the Camp Nou. According to Spanish and German media, Bayern had also shown serious interest in the winger, but Nico prioritized stability and consistent playing time.

Chelsea and Spain defender Marc Cucurella later commented on the situation, saying Nico “got scared that Barça wouldn’t register him,” confirming concerns over the club’s financial ability to complete the transfer. These fears appear to have been well-founded, given Barcelona’s track record and La Liga’s firm stance on financial regulations.

In summary, Barcelona’s inability to comply with La Liga’s financial rules, combined with the player’s cautious approach, ended what once seemed a promising transfer. Nico Williams remains an Athletic Club player, secured under a long-term deal, while Barcelona faces pressure to balance its books before making any high-profile signings. Unless they make major financial adjustments, Barça will continue to struggle with registering new players, even when transfer funds are available.