Barcelona’s plan to sign Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams has taken a blow with reports indicating the Catalan giants won’t be able to afford his current wages.

Williams emerged as a heavily-linked target for Barca over the summer after playing a leading role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024.

However, the five-time Champions League winners were unable to put a deal in place during the most recent transfer window and instead secured a move for compatriot Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig.

Williams’ non-arrival has not hindered Barca, who currently lead the La Liga title race and have won three of their four Champions League matches, but it looks like their hopes of bringing in the 22-year-old in the near future have taken a blow.

SPORT claim Williams is still Barca’s desired option to fill their left-wing spot in the near future, but his salary of between €9m and €10m is a major issue and could cause Hansi Flick’s side to ‘consider other options’.

Williams’ partnership with Barca wonderkid Lamine Yamal wowed spectators during Euro 2024 and the club has been desperate to pair them at club level ever since.

Athletic still hope to nail the young forward down to another contract, though his relatively low release clause of €60m (£50.5m) remains enticing and a number of clubs around Europe remain interested in his services.

The situation surrounding Williams could result in another player being lined up by Barca. Reports in Italy have suggested Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is one such target, though they would need to negotiate a lower fee than the current €130m release clause included in the Georgian’s contract in Italy.

Barca ditched a number of fringe first-team squad members in the summer in an effort to cut costs and are likely to attempt to facilitate more exits in 2025. Former prodigy Ansu Fati remains on their books, while Ferran Torres is frequently linked with a departure.

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