For the current summer transfer window, FC Barcelona had two great objectives in mind. Firstly, they wanted to sign a midfield pivot, as this area was one of the clearest weaknesses in the squad in the last season. Secondly, they wanted to reinforce their attack, particularly the left wing.
For this latter position, several players have been linked with the Catalan club, with Nico Williams being the favorite of the new coach, Hansi Flick, and also having stronger links to Barcelona than other candidates like Luis Diaz and Dani Olmo.
For the most part of the last year, it was clear that signing a midfield pivot would be the first priority of the Catalans this summer. However, the explosion that Nico is having in the UEFA EURO 2024 has changed everything for the Blaugranes.
The fact that Nico is having a memorable UEFA EURO 2024 makes him an even more alluring target for Barcelona. In fact, according to SPORT, the Catalans have seen their planning ‘blown up’ by Nico, and are now prioritizing the signing of the Athletic Club winger even ahead of a midfield pivot.
The report mentions that the Blaugranes are in constant communication with La Liga to remain abreast of their FFP position, and are getting increasingly confident that they can sign the winger without many problems this summer.
Furthermore, Barcelona also understand that Athletic Club will not be open to negotiating a price lower than Nico’s release clause of €58 million, but are hopeful that the Basque club will agree to make this payment more flexible.
Now, the Barcelona sporting area is open to having a ‘low cost’ midfielder along with Nico, and believe this will actually be better for the team as Nico will provide a significant leap in quality on the wings and also enhance the competition between three top class wingers, i.e., Nico, Yamal, and Raphinha.
On the other hand, Barcelona have several players who can play in a double pivot scheme, like Christensen, Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie, and Marc Casado, and thus the situation in the midfield is not too alarming. The Catalans can also sign a player on loan to get a pivot in their team.
Meanwhile, Ansu Fati will be the clearest victim if Nico is actually signed, as it would mean there would be no place for him in Flick’s squad, and he will have to find another team for himself this summer.
