Barcelona face €60m battle from Bayern Munich for 22-year-old La Liga star: Reports
Barcelona face a potential battle from Bayern Munich in their bid to sign 22-year-old winger Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The forward burst into the limelight with his impressive performances in the 2023-24 season, scoring eight goals and provided 19 assists in all competitions for Athletic Bilbao.
Williams was also instrumental to Spain's Euro 2024 run, scoring two goals and providing an assist as they clinched the trophy without a loss. His quality for Spain and Bilbao led to interest last summer, but Barca were unable to sign the 22-year-old.
Barcelona are reportedly on the hunt for a left-winger, with options like Rafael Leao and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia getting linked to a Camp Nou switch. However, their focus remains on Nico Williams, who has a strong desire to join the Catalan giants in 2025, according to SPORT journalist Toni Juanmarti (via Barca Universal).
While this might be seen as a transfer boost for La Bluagrana, they will be concerned about strong interest from other European giants. Bayern Munich, in particular, have set their sights on the 22-year-old, despite him signing a contract extension with Athletic Club Bilbao last summer.
Williams will reportedly be available for a move in 2025, and according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the German giants are monitoring him with this in mind. A number of wingers in Bavaria could leave the club in the coming seasons, which will open space for Nico Williams to join.
Bayern Munich are prepared to sign him for around €60 million, which will be a troubling update for Barca, who are undergoing financial struggles. Other clubs, especially from the English Premier League, also have their eyes on Nico Williams.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick shares disappointment with Atletico Madrid defeat
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has shared the team's disappointment with their stoppage-time loss to Atletico Madrid. La Blaugrana invited Rojiblancos to the Lluis Companys on December 21 for their La Liga clash.
However, the visitors went home with all three points after Alexander Sorloth scored the winning goal in second-half stoppage time. Speaking to the press afterwards, Hansi Flick discussed the mentality in the dressing room (via ESPN):
"Now it's a break and I think everyone needs this break. After the break we will train and we will show how strong we are."
"For us now, we are all disappointed about this defeat because we played fantastic. Now we will celebrate Christmas, start training on Dec. 29 and focus on what we can do in the next half of the season."
Barcelona will return to the pitch when they face Barbastro in the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey on January 4 at the Estadio Municipal.