Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Blaugrana plan Nico Williams talk; club eyeing Brazilian ace, and more - July 16, 2024
Barcelona are working to add more quality to their squad before the start of the new campaign. They endured a frustrating time in the 2023-24 season, surrendering their La Liga title to Real Madrid and finishing without silverware.
Meanwhile, the Blaugrana are planning to initiate advanced talks for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams Elsewhere, the club are interested in Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Wendel.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on July 16, 2024:
Barcelona plan Nico Williams talk
Barcelona are preparing to accelerate their efforts to sign Nico Williams this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish forward was key to Athletic Bilbao's Copa del Rey triumph last season, finishing the campaign with eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games across competitions.
His efforts have already made him a much sought-after man this summer. Williams was also in excellent form for Spain at Euro 2024, where his partnership with Lamine Yamal helped La Roja win the coveted trophy.
The Blaugrana are eager to unleash the Yamal-Williams attacking duo in club football and are pushing to sign the 22-year-old. The interest in Williams is rising by the day, with multiple clubs in the Premier League, including Chelsea, on his heels.
Barcelona have stepped up their efforts to get their man. They will kick off advanced negotiations with the player's entourage this week to discuss salary structure, among others. Flick has reportedly made the Spaniard his priority target for the summer.
The player reportedly has a €58 million release clause in his deal, so the Blaugrana will have to raise funds as well to secure his services.
Blaugrana eyeing Wendel
Barcelona have set their sights on Wendel, according to SPORT. The Blaugrana are eager to rope in a new pivot midfielder this summer. Oriol Romeu endured a difficult time at the Camp Nou since arriving last summer and the club now want an upgrade.
Flick would ideally prefer a reunion with former player Joshua Kimmich. The German midfielder has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich and is likely to leave.
However, the move might not be financially feasible for the La Liga giants, while there's intense competition for the 29-year-old as well. Wendel as been identified as a cheaper alternative.
The 26-year-old has been quietly impressive since joining Zenit St. Petersburg in 2020. His contract runs till 2027, but the Russian side are apparently ready to let him go for €20 million.
Galatasaray also have their eyes on the Brazilian but are reluctant to match his asking price. That could open the door for Barcelona to take advantage.
Atletico Madrid enter Mikel Merino race
Atletico Madrid have entered the race to sign Mikel Merino, according to MARCA. The Spanish midfielder is in the final year of his contract with Real Sociedad but hasn't signed an extension yet.
Barcelona have their eyes on Merino as a cost-effective option to shore up their midfield. The 28-year-old registered eight goals and five assists in 45 games across competitions for Sociedad last season.
Merino also endeared himself to his countrymen after scoring the all-important winner against Germany in the Euo 2024 quarterfinal. Arsenal are in the race to sign the Spaniard, and Atletico Madrid have now entered the fray.
Merino could be a fine fit in Diego Simeone's tactics, and the Argentinean manager is apparently pushing to secure his signature. The Blaugrana are waiting to get back to La Liga's 1:1 rule before they can target new arrivals.
Barcelona were also waiting for Euro 2024 to end before initiating talks with Merino. They now have to move quickly if they wish to sign the Spaniard this summer.