"My friend Hansi Flick is dreaming of it to happen" - Lothar Matthaus wants Barcelona to sign breakout Euro 2024 star
Lothar Matthaus wants Barcelona to sign Spain's breakout Euro 2024 star Nico Williams. The German legend has claimed that manager Hansi Flick dreams about the move.
Flick has taken charge of Barca this season after Xavi's dismissal at the end of the 2023-24 season. The former Bayern Munich coach plans on bolstering his side's winger options.
Williams, who had a stellar Euro 2024 tournament with the triumphant Spain side, is one of the Catalan club's primary targets. Matthaus is also keen to see the move as he told SPORT (via Reshad Rahman on X):
"I hope that Barca end up signing Nico Williams. My friend Hansi Flick is dreaming of it to happen."
Williams, blessed with blistering speed and trickery, had an exceptional Euro 2024 campaign. Apart from scoring Spain's opener in the final, he made other notable contributions, finishing the European Championships with two goals and one assist in total.
The 22-year-old scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 appearances across competitions in the 2023-24 season for Athletic Bilbao. He helped them win the Copa del Rey, providing an assist in the final. He is contracted with Bilbao until the end of the 2026-27 season.
As per reports, the winger is very loyal to his club and Barcelona might need to shell out his release clause of €58 million to sign the Spain international. Apart from Williams, Spain's Dani Olmo is another summer transfer target for La Blaugrana.
Barcelona ready to sell January signing to fund Nico Williams move: Reports
According to SPORT, Barcelona are ready to sell Vitor Roque, who joined the club in January from Athletico Paranaense to fund a move for Nico Williams. Given the Catalan club's current financial situation, spending €58 million on Williams could be difficult.
Hence, they could look to sell Roque to gather the sum that would allow the club to make a move for Williams. Since his January move, the Brazilian failed to cement a first-team place under Xavi.
The 19-year-old striker has so far played 16 games for Barca, scoring twice. With Robert Lewandowski present, he isn't expected to be an undisputed starter next season and the recent report puts a cloud over his future. His contract notably expires in 2031.