Since the summer transfer window opened before the 2024/25 campaign, Barca has been looking to reinforce the attack's left wing. Regarding the slot, the Catalan board had many considerations in mind, of which Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, and Luis Diaz topped the shortlist chart. Though all of the above have excelled recently at club football, Barca is making Nico Williams their top priority and surely has some reason for it.
On that note, here are the top 3 reasons that make the Basque winger a perfect fit for the Blaugrana club:-
Lack of a pacy winger at Barca
Since Dembele left the club in August 2023, the Catalan club seems to lack the pace required on the left wing. This has reduced their attack's effectiveness as a lack of pressure from the wings boosts the opposition's morale, making them superior over the offense.
Not only that, Dembele's absence made Barca inferior in the chances he created, rushing on the counterattacks. All this points to one direction' bringing a pacy winger to the Catalan club. Considering this, the option of Dani Olmo is ruled out, as he prefers a central attacking role.
Out of Luis Diaz and Nico Williams, Williams is Barca's priority as the Basque winger possesses explosive pace, and his readiness to continue in counterattacks is impressive. Add to that a bit of Spanish flair, which pours in the elegance and amazing dribbling, which seems a cherry on the cake. Moreover, Nico's age acts as a plus point for him, given Barca would want to invest in a long-term option for that high fee.
Nico's La Liga credibility
A clear edge that Nico Williams enjoys above Dani Olmo and Luis Diaz is his familiarity with La Liga. Like the other top European Leagues, La Liga has its unique style of play. Nico has been an Athletic prodigy throughout his career and has gotten accustomed to the league in his four years of La Liga career.
Moreover, Nico's performance has been stellar in the last few seasons at Athletic. Registering 27 goal contributions in the 2023/24 campaign, the winger was key in Athletic's offensive presence, alongside brother Inaki Williams and the target man Guruzeta. Add to that Nico's personal choice to represent FC Barcelona. The winger has claimed enough times that he is even ready to wait for Barca's offer, and he considers a move to Barca his top priority.
Nico Williams-Lamine Yamal duo
One of the crucial factors in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph has been the coordination between Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Combining 8 goal contributions, the duo was clinical in La Roja's attack, proving to be an extra boost for De La Fuente's squad.
The most recent example is the linkup of the two, which ultimately became the go-ahead goal for Spain in an electrifying Final. Just after half-time, the Yamal-Williams duo produced the much-awaited moment of magic. A beautiful run from Lamine Yamal created a perfect assist as the pass found the Basque winger clear of any defender. Nico, capitalizing on the opportunity, recorded his 2nd goal of the tournament, making Spain ahead on the scoreline.
That is also the biggest reason Barca expressed their clear plans to go all-out for Nico Williams. Thus, Barca believes that if they somehow manage to bring in Nico Williams, this duo could work wonders for the Catalan club.