Barcelona want to sign RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dani Olmo this summer but they are first trying to finalise a deal for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, 90min understands.
The Catalan giants have been hamstrung by financial issues in recent years but have been openly confident about their ability to operate in this summer’s transfer market.
Nevertheless, they still have some obstacles to overcome – there’s still a big queue at Barcelona over registrations and they need to make up a €100m shortfall to comply with La Liga’s strict financial rules.
Barca dream of flying wingers Williams and Lamine Yamal replicating their Euro 2024 heroics at club levels for many years, with president Joan Laporta, sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick all in agreement that he is their number one transfer target.
The club ultimately reckon there’s a way of financing a move for Williams if they can get his buy-in to the project.
Barcelona believe Williams would be open to deferring his wage or structuring it in a way that suits their financial needs at present, which could lead to a pay cut this summer should he leave Athletic.
In the meantime, Barcelona are still hoping to strike a deal for Olmo – 90min previously reported they sent a verbal offer to Leipzig which was in line with his €60m release clause, but with payment terms making the deal more affordable annually. For now, there has been no breakthrough but Barca are likely to try again once the Williams saga has played out.
Leipzig remain open to an Olmo sale at €60m, which is why no one rushed to beat the July 20 deadline for the release clause. Manchester City sources claim the Premier League champions aren’t in the race despite reports suggesting otherwise, but Manchester United and Bayern Munich are interested.
However, both clubs have other pressing needs in the summer window and so this could play into Barcelona’s hands. There is an acceptance at Barca they may miss out on some targets, but Olmo is high on the club’s wish-list.
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