According to various reports, Nico Williams has made it clear that he wants to join Barcelona, with Lamine Yamal even hinting that a deal may be in the works. The two Spanish internationals are close friends, but could that very friendship become a concern for the Catalan giants?
Earlier this summer, Arsenal was reportedly keen on bringing Nico Williams to the Emirates Stadium. However, the Gunners may now have to look elsewhere to strengthen their wings, as the Athletic Bilbao star seems increasingly likely to join the La Liga champions.
Arsenal & Bayern Munich Also Interested – But Is It Too Late?
Bayern Munich have also been linked with the talented winger. Yet, when asked about the speculation, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl gave nothing away, saying bluntly:
“I don’t know anything about that.”
Nico Williams Wants Barcelona – Release Clause the Only Barrier?
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Nico Williams is eager—some say desperate—to sign for Barcelona. Moving from Athletic Bilbao to FC Barcelona has long been a dream pathway for many top Spanish wingers.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Bayern and Arsenal interest, but Nico Williams prefers Barcelona.
Reports suggest that Nico Williams has already informed Sporting Director Deco of his desire to join the club. In the 2023/24 season, Williams recorded 11 goals and 7 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions for Bilbao—a solid return that makes him a valuable addition to any top team.
Can Barcelona Afford Him?
According to Mundo Deportivo, an Athletic Bilbao official has stated that Barcelona must pay the full release clause to secure the winger’s services.
🔗 Read the full Mundo Deportivo report
That release clause has reportedly increased from €58 million last season, posing a financial challenge for Barcelona.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams: A Friendship That Could Complicate Things?
Lamine Yamal is currently a fan favorite at Camp Nou, and Williams will no doubt hope to replicate his friend’s success in Blaugrana colors. The two are clearly close, sharing good chemistry on the Spanish national team.
Is Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams’s friendship potentially problematic for Barcelona?
However, Goal.com reports that Barcelona’s board may lean toward signing Luiz Diaz instead, believing a more professional distance among players could prevent the formation of disruptive friendship cliques within the squad.
🔗 Read more on Goal.com
Could Yamal’s friendship with Nico Williams strain his relationship with Raphinha?
Where Does Raphinha Fit Into All This?
Barcelona will enjoy a welcome headache of selection if they manage to keep Raphinha, add Nico Williams, and continue developing Yamal.
Fans believe Raphinha and Nico Williams can co-exist.
Raphinha had a strong season, and with new manager Hansi Flick at the helm, it will be intriguing to see how he balances minutes among these talented wingers.
Yamal, Raphinha, and Nico Williams in one team may be so good it could make Barcelona fans cry.
Luiz Diaz to Barcelona – Still a Possibility?
While Nico Williams remains a top target, Luiz Diaz is still being monitored. But convincing Liverpool to part ways with the Colombian star won’t be easy.
Luiz Diaz had 13 goals and 7 assists in the EPL last season, making him a critical player for the Reds. With Trent Alexander-Arnold already heading to Real Madrid, Liverpool may be reluctant to lose another key figure.
Nico Williams, meanwhile, is a cheaper and more realistic option for Barcelona.
According to Goal.com, past negotiations between Nico Williams and Barça stalled over financial disagreements. However, recent developments suggest the situation may have changed.
Meanwhile, reports say Luiz Diaz is more experienced and displays greater professionalism, an important factor for Barcelona’s leadership.
Price Tag Concerns for Diaz
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have placed a £51 million valuation on Luiz Diaz. His contract runs until 2027, giving the club strong leverage in negotiations.
Despite some whispers that Diaz is open to the move, Barcelona appears unwilling to meet that figure—especially considering other financial priorities.
Perhaps the arrival of Florian Wirtz at Liverpool may reduce Diaz’s playing time, increasing the likelihood that he explores options abroad. But nothing is certain.
Final Thoughts: Barcelona’s Transfer Window Just Getting Started
It’s still early in the summer transfer window, and Barcelona is juggling multiple options. While Nico Williams remains the front-runner, the pull of Luiz Diaz’s experience and the club’s desire for a balanced dressing room may complicate things.
For now, fans will have to wait and see—but one thing is clear: Barcelona’s winger position is set to become one of the most exciting battlegrounds in Europe.
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