Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Nico Williams agrees to join club; Vitor Roque ready for Camp Nou move, and more - October 13, 2023
Barcelona have gone from strength to strength under Xavi recently. The Spanish manager won the league last season and has enjoyed an undefeated start across competitions this term.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams has agreed to join the Blaugrana next summer. Elsewhere, Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque is ready to move to the Camp Nou in January.
On that note, here's a look at the key Barcelona transfer stories as on October 13, 2023:
Nico Williams agrees to join Barcelona
Nico Williams has agreed to join Barcelona on a Bosman move, according to journalist Enric Canyellas.
The Spanish forward's contract with Athletic Bilbao expires at the end of this season, but he hasn't agreed a new deal yet. The Blaugrna have had their eyes on the 21-year-old for a while and have now reached an agreement on personal terms.
The La Liga champions have targeted free agents recently due to their financial woes. Ilkay Gundogan was roped in after the expiry of his contract with Manchester City and has been a hit so far.
Barcelona are looking to repeat the trick with Williams, who's ready to arrive at the Camp Nou next summer.
Vitor Roque ready for Camp Nou move
Vitor Roque has hinted that he's ready to move to Barcelona in January. The club signed the Brazilian from Athletico Paranaense this summer, and he was previously scheduled to arrive at the Camp Nou in the summer of 2024.
However, the recent injury to Robert Lewandowski has changed the La Liga giants' plans, and they're now pushing to bring him in this winter. Speaking recently, as cited by SPORT, the 18-year-old said that he's recovering well from a recent injury that has sidelined him till the end of the year.
"Unfortunately this is part of our profession as elite athletes, but I feel very positive, confident and motivated for my return.
"I have a very qualified team with me, a great structure to be able to return to 100%. I’m very happy to reach these milestones in my career and having already experienced so many things," said Roque.
He continued:
"I look back and see everything I went through and faced to get to where I am today. I learned a lot from everyone, and I hope this is just the beginning of many good things to come.
"I still have a lot to evolve and learn, but, every day, I feel more prepared, with more confidence, to play my best football."
Lewandowski is likely to miss the season's El Clasico on October 28.
Hristo Stoichkov heaps praise on Xavi
Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichov has spoken highly of Xavi. The Spanish manager took charge of his club in November 2021 and has registeted a 62.4% win record in 101 games in charge.
He won the league as well as the Spanish Super Cup last season and has overseen an unbeaten start to the current campaign. The La Liga champions have won six and drawn three of their games in the league and have been playing spectacular football.
Stoichkov had special praise for manager Xavi, as well as Gavi, Pedri and Alejandro Balde on Relevo:
"I like Xavi. He is a young coach. He knows the subject. He knows the club. He has young players that he is putting in. I love Gavi. I love Pedri. I love Balde,” said Stoichkov.
He continued:
“Xavi is working with people who have experience and young people who will grow much more. Obviously, they are going to grow. I am delighted. First for Pedri and Gavi, but now also for Balde. This boy has a lot of quality."
Barcelona have also won both their games in the UEFA Champions League.