Barcelona to Reopen Talks for Long-Time Transfer Target

Barcelona are preparing to reignite their pursuit of Nico Williams this summer, according to a report by Diario Sport.

The 22-year-old winger, currently plying his trade with Athletic Club, was heavily linked with a move to the Catalan giants throughout the 2024 summer transfer window.

His standout performances for both club and country caught the attention of several European giants, with Barcelona pushing hard to bring the Spanish international to the Camp Nou — particularly keen to pair him with close friend and rising star Lamine Yamal.

At one point, a deal looked all but sealed, but negotiations ultimately fell through, with Williams remaining in the Basque Country.

Now, less than a year on, Barça are ready to return to the table. According to Sport, the winger has full backing from both incoming head coach Hansi Flick and club president Joan Laporta.

“Nico Williams is a player who has the approval of Hansi Flick and who, in addition, convinces Joan Laporta. FC Barcelona’s intention is to restart talks with the player soon,” reports Sport.

Williams, whose contract includes a release clause, is viewed as a key piece in Barcelona’s rebuild, offering pace, flair and creativity from the left flank.

Nico Williams

Pamplona-born Nicholas Williams, 22, has rapidly risen to prominence as a dynamic winger for Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team. A product of Bilbao’s youth academy since 2013, Williams made his first-team debut in 2021 alongside his brother Iñaki, marking a historic sibling appearance.

Known for his blistering pace and dribbling, he shone on the international stage, starring in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. At club level, he played a pivotal role in Athletic’s 2024 Copa del Rey victory and fifth-place league finish. Recently, he extended his contract until 2027 and earned a Ballon d’Or nomination, finishing 15th.

Site Opinion

Nico Williams feels like a natural fit for the new Barcelona project. At just 22, he already boasts big-game experience and brings a direct style that Barça have sorely missed on the left. His close relationship with Lamine Yamal is no small factor either — a duo like that could form the heart of Barça’s attacking identity for years to come.

 


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