Is Nico Williams joining Barcelona? Hansi Flick responds directly to transfer speculation
Hansi Flick has refused to confirm Barcelona's interest in Nico Williams when asked about the Spanish attacker. The Blaugrana are linked with the 22-year-old who shined at Euro 2024.
However, Flick remained tight-lipped about the prospect of signing Williams out of respect for his current club, Athletic Club. The Catalans coach said (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):
"He’s not our player. Nico Williams is under contract with another club and I can’t say anything."
El Chiringuito reports that Barcelona has reached a full agreement with Williams' agent on a five-year contract. The young attacker now needs to give the green light before Blaugrana activates his reported €58 million release clause.
Williams is highly coveted after a stunning Euro 2024 campaign with Spain. He posted two goals and one assist, including the opener in his nation's 2-1 win against England in the final. He was sensational for Athletic Club last season, registering eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games across competitions.
Barcelona are looking to bolster their attack this summer after watching Kylian Mbappe finally arrive at Real Madrid. Williams could join a new-look frontline under Flick, including Euro 2024's Young Player of the Tournament Lamine Yamal and prolific frontman Robert Lewandowski.
Williams has also attracted interest from elsewhere, which may lead to Barca pushing forward to complete a deal. Arsenal are reportedly waiting in the wings should the Catalans fail to sign the Spaniard.
"Our financial situation has improved a lot" - Barcelona president Joan Laporta on potential Nico Williams deal
Barcelona president Joan Laporta also weighed in on the speculation linking the La Liga giants with Williams. He touched more so on the financial aspects of a potential deal and gave a positive update on the Catalans' situation (via Romano):
"Our financial situation has improved a lot. We're close to normality. Today, Barça can sign big names as we did our job. We will clarify our financial situation soon."
Barca has struggled to afford players in recent years due to their financial state. Last summer, they spent just €3.4 million, relying more on free-agent signings and the loan market.
Williams is an attractive option to add to Flick's Blaugrana side, as he'll add creativity, flair, and pace. He flourished alongside Yamal, 17, at Euro 2024, and the pair could forge a fearsome front three with Lewandowski, 35, perhaps helping the Pole get back to his very best.