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According to El Nacional, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is under pressure from the club's management to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. They believe that acquiring the 22-year-old to play alongside Lamine Yamal would help the Catalan club win the UEFA Champions League.
La Blaugrana last won the Champions League during the 2014-15 season. Since then, they have managed to reach the semi-finals twice, including their recent elimination by Inter Milan in the 2024-25 season. Following a successful 2024-25 campaign, which saw them clinch a domestic treble, the LaLiga giants now have their eyes on reclaiming Europe's most prestigious trophy.
As per the abovementioned source, Barcelona believe that roping in Williams to lead their attack alongside Lamine Yamal could propel them to achieve European glory once more. The duo share a good connection and complement each other on the pitch. They showed the same when they guided Spain to win Euro 2024.
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Williams was linked with a move to Barcelona last summer, but a deal failed to materialize. The Catalan club have since focused their attention on Liverpool's Luis Diaz instead. However, with Reds' insistence that the Colombian winger is not up for sale, Barca could now be forced to re-ignite their interest in Williams.
The Athletic Club star is the kind of player that sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick admire. He is young, experienced, a hard worker, and has the quality to represent the club. However, Barcelona must be willing to fork out a sizeable amount to get Williams' services. He reportedly has a €60 million release clause and is contracted to his current team until 2027.
Considering their financial issues, it remains to be seen if La Blaugrana will make Williams a priority signing or opt for a cheaper option. Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have shared the pitch 17 times for Spain, recording two joint-goal participations.
Barcelona target also wanted by Premier League giants - reports
Barcelona are not the only top side interested in signing Nico Williams. As per the BBC (via Tribal Football), Arsenal are also keen on adding the youngster to their ranks this summer.
Mikel Arteta's side are keen to bolster their attacking unit this summer and have identified Willams as a potential option. However, the Athletic Bilbao winger will reportedly only join the Premier League side if he is made one of the club's highest earners.
Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are also reportedly interested in Williams. The 22-year-old has registered 31 goals and 30 assists in 167 matches for Athletic Club.
