Summer Transfers: Will Nico Williams Join Barça? Everything You Need to Know

The story of Nico Williams and FC Barcelona could come to an end even before the next summer transfer market opens. The 'star' of Athletic Club seems determined to leave San Mamés this year, but the Catalans, unlike last summer, no longer consider him a priority. Although the Barça management keeps him among their main options for left wingers, the coaching staff led by Hansi Flick is not convinced about his signing. Moreover, the financial aspirations of the Spanish international do not favor Barça's plans.

In recent weeks, reports have pointed to the interest of several Premier League giants in the '11' of Athletic. Paris Saint-Germain, on the other hand, has stepped back from the bidding following the arrival of Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, while Arsenal and Chelsea are pushing to present a contract that satisfies the wishes of the younger Williams. The clause for the 22-year-old forward remains close to 60 million euros, a key factor for both London clubs to bet on the Basque player.

Barça would prefer to bet on a natural goal scorer rather than Nico Williams

In Barça's case, the poor performance of the Pamplona native this season would have completely dissipated his chances of arriving in Catalonia next summer. Nico has 4 goals and 5 assists in 29 matches (2,129 minutes) with Athletic. In contrast, Raphinha has shone with Barça since Hansi Flick's arrival, excelling as a left winger/attacking midfielder and achieving spectacular numbers.

The 24 goals and 14 assists from the Brazilian seem to have convinced the coaching staff to keep the '11' as untouchable in the Barça offensive trident, and instead of spending money on a player with the characteristics of the younger Williams, the coach is more inclined to incorporate another '9' capable of covering for Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker also boasts spectacular numbers in the 24/25 season and has already secured another season at the club, but it is clear that, due to age, his prominence will gradually decrease in a team dominated by young talent.

Viktor Gyökeres is, for now, the alternative that Deco likes the most, understanding that his price (around 75 'million') and salary will not be a problem for Barça's finances. This season, the Swede has scored 34 goals in 36 appearances with Sporting, three more than 'Lewy' has with Barça (31) in 33 official matches. Thus, Nico Williams' chances of arriving at Spotify Camp Nou this year seem increasingly distant, even as Lamine Yamal and the rest of the Spanish internationals on the team unconditionally support his signing.