With Nico Williams returning to Athletic Bilbao after weeks of speculation, Barça’s plans to bolster their attack have taken a new direction. The Blaugrana are now considering Federico Chiesa as a cost-effective alternative, especially given their recent purchase of Dani Olmo from German side RB Leipzig.
Juventus are reportedly eager to offload Chiesa this summer to alleviate their wage bill, with the Italian club asking for a modest €20 million fee — a bargain in today’s market. That price tag is particularly appealing to Barca, whose financial situation has necessitated careful spending.
After the addition of Dani Olmo, Athletic Bilbao’s asking price for Nico Williams would be too steep to entertain. Chiesa presents a realistic backup plan that would add tremendous quality to Hansi Flick’s attack.
Chiesa is not only a financially sensible choice but also a tactically versatile one. Capable of playing on either flank, the 26-year-old is known for his creativity and direct approach. He frequently cuts into the box to unleash powerful shots from tight angles, and his ability to deliver precise crosses adds another dimension to Barça’s attacking options.
However, Chiesa’s injury history should be a point of concern for the Catalan club. Over the past few campaigns , he has endured a number of setbacks that have kept him sidelined for weeks at a time. Although, with Barcelona placing a renewed emphasis on physical fitness under new head coach Hansi Flick, Chiesa could benefit from the club's enhanced training regimen.
Juventus supporters have grown impatient with the Italian’s spells of inconsistency, which have even carried over to international play. A change of environment could be exactly what he needs to see his full potential. In Barcelona’s free-flowing system, Chiesa’s ability to run at defenders and spark chaos could be a perfect fit, offering the Blaugrana a buy-low opportunity with high upside.
If the deal materializes, it could prove to be a masterstroke by the club’s board, adding a dynamic option to the squad without straining their budget.