Barcelona identify Cristiano Ronaldo’s 25-year-old teammate as transfer target after Nico Williams decides to stay at Athletic Club: Reports
Barcelona have reportedly set sights on Cristiano Ronaldo's national teammate Rafael Leao this summer as a potential alternative for Nico Williams. The Spanish star is said to have decided to stay at Athletic Bilbao amid links with Barcelona.
As per a report in El Nacional, the Catalan giants have identified Leao as a solution to their left-wing issues. They believe that €80 million will be enough to sign them the AC Milan star.
The fee is much higher than the €58 million clause they needed to activate to sign Williams from Bilbao. They were also reportedly ready to move for RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo with a similar fee but that move could be on hold too.
Barcelona are ready to hold talks with super agent Jorge Mendes, who is said to be ready to make a transfer happen this summer. They will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), as they are also interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate Leao.
Barca sporting director Deco reportedly has other options in his list as well but does not see anyone coming close to Williams or Leao. Brighton and Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool's Luis Diaz are on their radar but they will not make a move unless they fail to land the Portuguese star too.
Why have Barcelona switched from Nico Williams to Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate Rafael Leao?
Barcelona were pushing for Nico Williams with club president Joan Laporta also confirming their interest publicly by saying:
"Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams. Nico's a player I like -- I like him a lot. We are working with (new coach Hansi) Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave (sporting director) Deco to close the operations we are working on."
However, they are reportedly yet to get a proper reply from the winger this summer. Bilbao were furious with the media pushing the player to answer questions on a possible move.
Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte slammed RFEF for not stopping the media from questioning on transfers during the EURO 2024 and said (via GOAL):
"There are no limits to Athletic's aspirations. We are demonstrating that we have an attractive project, a winning project for our players and our coach. Various other sought-after players have also committed their future to the club. Athletic are financially, socially and in sporting terms capable of keeping players of the caliber of those named in its structure, including Nico."
Chelsea also reportedly remain interested in Nico Williams, but are yet to make a move for the Spaniard. They are also said to be willing to activate the €58 million release clause on the winger's contract.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao have played 24 matches together with the national team. However, they have never combined for a goal in the 849 minutes together on the pitch.