Embarking on their journey to improve their attack, Barcelona have renewed their interest in Sporting Club’s lively winger, Nico Williams.
According to Diario Sport, the Catalan club wants to make a move for the 22-year-old this summer, having already identified his electrifying pace and flair as something to take them to the next level.
Sporting director Deco favours a “natural left-sided forward”, making Williams an ideal fit moving forward to remedy the tactical issue and balance the attack for the club’s needs.
Naturally, it is highly probable that in no event will Nico Williams be included in the 2025 Ballon d’Or Final, which is set to be held on September 22 in Paris.
By maintaining the same level of performance leading up to the event, Nico Williams will likely have his stock rise from Javier Ribalta’s £50 million to £58 million.
Last summer, Barcelona were held off by financial restrictions, but now the club intends to trigger that €58 million release clause, which runs through to 2027.
Williams has so far refused to sign a new deal with Sporting Club, leaving it uncertain how that’s fitted into speculation surrounding his future, but if Williams gets the opportunity to leave Sporting it would be seen as a stronger opportunity for him not to sign that new deal with Sporting Club and evaluate his options.
Williams’ close connections to Barcelona players, specifically with Yamal and Balde, could help make the transition smoother, while the Champions League element also adds further weight.
The decision Williams must make is significant. Although he has done well at Athletic and is a star in his own right, a sprawling outfit like Barcelona may prove too much to resist.
With other European clubs also showing interest, it also promises to be an interesting summer in regard to speculation around the young Spain international.
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