Italian insider Nicolo Schira Tweeted today that Barcelona have overtaken Chelsea in the race to sign Euros star Nico Williams.
We’ve been linked with him a bit, but the money we’ve already invested in wingers plus our FFP situation makes it hard to see us dropping the mega-money and super-wages it would take to sign him full time. His release clause is £50m but it could take even more if there’s a bidding war. It looks impossible, financially.
We agree with that sentiment in general, and with the replies accusing Shira of just dropping Chelsea’s name into the mix to generate engagement.
Having said that, if Barcelona are in the conversation, why can’t we be? Even with our hands tied behind our back financially we’re not in as difficult a position as they are.
If Williams wants to move this summer and surf the wave of his brilliant form at the Euros (and all indications are that he does), what are his options?
#Barça have overtaken #Chelsea in the race to sign Nico #Williams. Ready a contract until 2029 with the option for 2030. The winger can leave #AtlethicClub with the release clause (€58M). #transfers #FCB
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) July 14, 2024
In demand – but who can actually make it happen?
Bayern Munich are stacked with wingers and adding more as we speak. Real Madrid are trying to figure out how to cram all their insane attacking talent into one team. Man City bought Jeremy Doku last summer and don’t seem keen for another direct, pacy wide man. Man U just bought Joshua Zirkzee.
Arsenal have good wingers, and seem like they have the most restrictive wage cap of the top teams. PSG are a possibility, although we’ve not seen them linked.
There really aren’t that many clubs that can afford Williams’ wages, and none of them have an obvious opening for him. Knowing Chelsea’s situation intimately we think we’re pretty far from signing Williams – but when you look at his list of options, nobody is exactly standing out. So for now, we can’t be ruled out entirely
