Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has hit the repeat on his summer transfer business.
The La Liga champions are focusing their full attention on one new signing - after bringing in highly-rated goalkeeper Joan Garcia from rivals Espanyol - with Nico Williams edging closer to Catalonia.
The Spain international opted against a switch to Flick's side after winning the UEFA Euro 2024 title with Luis de la Fuente and he played a vital role in Athletic Club clinching UEFA Champions League qualification at the end of 2024/25.
Despite his rejection last summer, Williams is open to making the move this time around, but the two clubs remain at a stand-off over his release clause in Bilbao.
Opposition from the Basque Country has seen a mural to Williams - and his brother Inaki - vandalised in the city, as supporters feel betrayed over his desire to join Barcelona, but Flick remains undeterred.
Barcelona are willing to pay the £51m [€58m] release clause in his contract at the Estadio San Mames, but the final details are unconfirmed, with Williams also registering his own concerns.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Nico Williams to Barcelona transfer delay as talks stall
From Barcelona's side, they are ready to pay the fee, but Athletic Club instantly rejected their proposal to stagger payments over an extended period.
The Basque giants want the full clause up front or nothing at all and they have requested La Liga to monitor how Barcelona are financing a deal within their 1:1 transfer policy.
Williams has also flagged up fears over whether he can be immediately registered for the full La Liga season due the chaotic scenario of Dani Olmo last season.
Olmo could only be registered for the first half of the campaign due to injuries - before facing a legal battle to be re-registered at the start of 2025 - and Barcelona are reportedly annoyed by Williams' lack of faith in their ability to wrap the deal up.
A final deadline could be set for Barcelona's preseason return on July 13, and Olmo has spoken out, to reassure Williams there will be no repeat of his own start to life under Flick.
"I would tell Nico that everything can be fixed. In the end, everything was resolved for me," as per Marca.
"It's clear doubts can exist due to everything that happened. I always had the utmost confidence in the club. It wasn't an issue that worried me, and I was able to play.
"Nico is another top player. But, right now he belongs to another club and that has to be respected, but the best have to play at Barcelona.
"He's a great player; he's shown that with his club and the national team. We already know how he would adapt and I like playing with the best."
Barcelona news and related links
- Raphinha reveals what Lamine Yamal asked him before meeting Neymar on Brazil vacation
- Joan Laporta confirms Barcelona star set to sign new deal 'soon' amid exit rumors
- Barcelona all set to reward Lamine Yamal with iconic jersey number