“It is undeniable that it would give the club another level” - Andres Iniesta urges Barcelona to sign breakout Euro 2024 star
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta urged the Catalan giants to sign Euro 2024 breakthrough star from Spain, Nico Williams. In an interview with SPORT, the midfielder said that Williams' signing would give Barca the much-needed boost and prominence.
“It is undeniable that it [Nico Williams' signing] owould give the club another level,” Iniesta said (via Barca Universal).
In the same interview, Iniesta spoke about his desire to return to his former club someday after departing from the Blaugrana in 2018. He revealed that once he retires from professional football, he would love to return to Barcelona in some capacity.
“I would like to return to Barça at some point but obviously I don’t know when or how yet; it’s something that nobody knows. We’ll see how everything goes,” he added.
It remains to be seen whether Iniesta follows in the footsteps of his former teammate Xavi. The latter recently left Barca after serving as head coach from 2021 to 2024. Don Iniesta regretted Xavi's departure from the club so early but also hoped new coach Hansi Flick could help the Catalan club compete for titles once again.
Given Nico Williams' form and performance in Euro 2024, he could be a great addition to Barca's squad to strengthen the right wing. Amid Iniesta's suggestions to the club to sign Williams, the club has reportedly been eyeing the player for a while. However, whether or not the club can make the signing will reportedly depend on their financial situation.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta expressed his admiration for Euro 2024 star Nico Williams
It appears that Andres Iniesta is not the only one who wants to see Nico Williams as a potential signing for Barcelona. Club president Joan Laporta recently spoke on Catalunya Radio about potential signings and was specifically asked about the Athletic Club star.
"Obviously, I really like him. But we need to let those in charge do their job. Deco is working on the signings discussed with Flick, and I hope we'll have good news soon," Laporta said.
As per SPORT, the Euro 2024 breakthrough star for Spain has a release clause of €58 million. Athletic Club is reportedly adamant on any club willing to sign him to pay the same in totality. Laporta mentioned in his aforementioned interview that the club can afford his signing.
"As of today, yes. It's the result of years of hard work that has brought us to this point, where we can afford a signing of this caliber," the Barcelona President said.
Nico Williams has been one of the best performers of Euro 2024 so far, with one goal and one assist to his name. He has been a guaranteed starter for Spain and his partnership with Barca youngster Lamine Yamal has been applauded by pundits and fans alike.
Yamal went on record recently to say that he'd love to play with Williams at Barcelona, so it's all up to the financial condition to make the transfer happen. Meanwhile, Williams is gearing up to face England in the Euro 2024 final on July 14.