Barcelona have identified an ideal alternative to Nico Williams

Barcelona have not yet closed the door on a Nico Williams signing. While the player has returned to Athletic Bilbao for the time being, Barca have remained in contact with his agent and will reportedly make one last run at Williams before the transfer window officially closes on August 30th

However, the chances of securing his signature are slim, and Barcelona are considering a number of budget-friendly options if the winger turns them down. The Blaugrana is currently lacking depth on the left flank, missing a natural left winger in the squad.

As Barca’s luck would have it — just one day after receiving a €40M from a trio of investors — they have received an enticing offer from FC Bayern Munich to add veteran Frenchman Kingsley Coman on a loan. While Bayern would prefer to loan with an option or obligation to buy, Barca’s financial restrictions limit them to a straight loan for the veteran winger.

The move makes a lot of sense for both sides. Coman isn’t viewed as a part of the Bavarian club’s plans for next season, and Bayern is keen to ship him out on a loan. On the other side, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has a relationship with Coman from his time coaching Bayern, and is said to be fond of the player’s abilities.

Coman, 28, is far from plateauing as a player. The Frenchman earned his first call-up to PSG’s first team at just 16 years old, and he still has plenty to offer any top club in Europe.

A staple of professionalism throughout his career, Coman has been crucial to Bayern’s decade of dominance. The forward previously captured a record 12 trophies in 11 seasons before missing out altogether last year, as Bayern failed to top the Bundesliga standings for the first time in over a decade. 

Now, Coman could get a chance to return to his winning ways with a familiar face, coach Hansi Flick, in charge.