Barcelona still keen on signing player who snubbed chance to join them this summer - Reports
Despite failing to secure his signature in the recently concluded transfer window, Barcelona remain interested in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to Fabrizio Romano. La Blaugrana pursued a move for the 21-year-old Spaniard throughout the summer.
Williams had an impressive 2023-24 season with Athletic Bilbao before playing a major role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. His performances attracted the attention of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, but Williams informed his agent of his decision to remain in Bilbao ahead of the 2024-25 season, as per El Partidazo de COPE.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta had expressed confidence in the club’s financial capacity to make big signings, but the Spaniard’s choice forced the Catalan giants to shift their attention elsewhere before the window closed.
For now, Williams remains committed to his immediate future at Athletic Bilbao, but Barcelona's interest suggests that this could be a transfer saga to watch in January or next summer.
Barca's left-wing options have been depleted with the injury to Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres failing to find his form. Raphinha has started for La Blaugrana on the left wing as a makeshift option.
Barcelona receive major injury boost as midfielder returns to group training
In a significant boost for Barcelona, midfield prodigy Gavi returned to group training today (Thursday, September 12), marking his first session since being sidelined with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury last year.
The 20-year-old sensation had been out of action for 298 days, having suffered the injury in November 2023 while playing for the Spanish national team. Following successful surgery, the La Masia graduate has been working diligently on his rehabilitation and recovery, pushing to make his much-anticipated return.
Barca shared pictures of Gavi receiving a warm welcome from his teammates before the youngster participated in the group training session.
Gavi's return is a massive boost for Barcelona, as the team missed his presence on the field, especially during the latter half of last season. Under new manager Hansi Flick, the club have faced injury troubles in midfield, making Gavi's return a welcome development.
However, while the midfielder has resumed training, he is not expected to return to match action immediately. Considering the lengthy recovery period and the serious nature of his ACL injury, the Catalan club is likely to adopt a cautious approach, easing him back into competitive action over time to avoid any setbacks.