Barcelona one step closer to realizing dream duo

Per Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are prepared to extend a formal offer to electric winger Nico Williams. The Athletic Bilbao player was lights out during Spain’s European Championship run, recording two goals and an assist to help lead his nation to international glory.

Williams is currently the most sought-after winger on the market, his combination of youth, pace, and unpredictability making him an attractive target for almost any team willing to match his €58m release clause. 

Playing alongside his older brother Inaki, Nico enjoyed a stellar season at the club level as well. The 22-year-old recorded five goals and 11 assists across 31 matches for sixth-place finishers, Athletic Club Bilbao. Williams even bagged a key assist in the Copa Del Rey Final to lift Bilbao over Mallorca, securing the club’s seventh major trophy, and their first since 1984.

It was reported in late June that Williams and Athletic Bilbao had reached an agreement on a new deal, with the player telling La1 that he was “very happy” at the club. However, his Euro 2024 performance demanded the football world’s attention, and drew significant interest from Europe’s best. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal have all been linked to the Spanish international in recent weeks, though a strong mutual interest with Barcelona could help to facialitate a deal.

With current Barcelona players Pedri, Yamal, Torres, Lopez, and Gavi all included on Spain’s Euro squad, Nico Williams gained plenty of exposure to the club over the past month, likely increasing his desire for a move to the Catalan side. Not to mention that his teammates have been unapologetically campaigning for his transfer all summer.

"“Nico Williams would be a spectacular signing for us at Barcelona, it’d be incredible. I hope he can join us.”"

- Pedri

"“I’d sign Nico Williams, for sure! If you ask me just one player to sign, I’d say him… I hope to share the locker room with Nico at Barca.”"

- Lamine Yamal

Yamal and Williams have formed an undeniable bond, each playing the beautiful game with palpable freedom and joy. Their connection on the pitch is obvious — the duo made Euro 2024 their playground — but their chemistry off the pitch may be even stronger, and Hansi Flick and staff would be foolish to ignore that fact.

With Lamine and Nico dancing past defenders out on the wings, Barca will immediately form one of the most terrifying attacks in Europe. Per Fabrizio Romano’s report, the structure of the player’s salary will be crucial in completing his transfer, though the two sides are seemingly in agreement on personal terms. 

President Joan Laporta remains confident in the financial aspects of a deal, realizing that completing this dream signing could determine the direction of his club, for years to come.