Barcelona make 21-year-old top attacking priority this summer in bid to send message to squad

Originally posted on Football Espana | By Ruairidh Barlow | Last updated 5/10/24

Barcelona have made Nico Williams their top offensive priority for the upcoming summer transfer window. The Athletic Club winger is sure to be in high demand after a brilliant season in Bilbao, and his release clause will be key.

Recent reports have stated that Williams’ release clause is in fact closer to €60m than €50m, and a variety of Premier League sides including Aston Villa and Chelsea have been linked to the 21-year-old too. Following Athletic’s Copa del Rey victory, Williams did declare that he had ‘many more years’ at San Mames.

If Barcelona want him, they will have to pay up front for Williams, and will require major sales as well as a return to within their salary limit. If they can do so, a pivot remains their priority, but should they have any money available for other deals, then they will put what they can towards Williams, as per Sport. He is their number two priority this summer.

International watch: Raphinha has been called up by Brazil for the Copa América. pic.twitter.com/YNx7SuH1f1

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 10, 2024

Xavi Hernandez is a fan of his, and the coaching staff intend to return to a more classic 4-3-3 formation next season, with Williams on the left and Lamine Yamal on the right. Finances allowing, they will try to do the deal as soon as possible, as they feel it will send a message to the squad, and perhaps increase the chances of other forwards moving on, due to the increased competition.

It is hard not to read the above as a direct message to the likes of Raphinha. The Brazilian is one of the few assets Barcelona have that could fetch a large fee, but are also content to part with. Raphinha has been used on the left in recent months, with Lamine Yamal dominating the right side, but the signing of Williams could leave him without a clear spot in the starting XI. Judging by the amount of work Barcelona have to do to pull off a deal for Williams though, Raphinha may well still feel secure in his spot.

The post Barcelona make 21-year-old top attacking priority this summer in bid to send message to squad appeared first on Football España.

This article first appeared on Football Espana and was syndicated with permission.

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