LaLiga star has overtaken Liverpool star Luis Diaz to become to priority transfer target for Barcelona: Reports
As per Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Universal), Nico Williams has overthrown Luis Diaz as Barcelona's prime target this summer. Some rumors claim that Williams is too close to a good number of Blaugrana players, including Lamine Yamal.
Since the start of the ongoing transfer window, both Williams and Luis Diaz have been linked with Barcelona. Meanwhile, Williams has been linked with the LaLiga champions since last summer, but a deal never materialized.
Fresh reports from the aforementioned source reveal that Williams is ready to reduce his wage demands in a bid to join Barca this summer. Williams' deal is less complicated than that of Luis Diaz as Barca are only obligated to pay his €62 million release clause to Athletic Club.
The only dilemma happens to be the structure of the payment, and Athletic Club are insisting that the valuation must be paid all at once. Given Barcelona's financial constraints, it might be difficult to trigger Williams' release clause without a structured payment.
If Williams joins Hansi Flick's side, he would compete with Raphinha on the left wing next term. Therefore, it remains to be seen if Barca will finally sign the Spaniard or Luis Diaz before the transfer deadline.
"A player who is showing maturity at an early age" - Luis Suarez on Barcelona's Lamine Yamal
Former Barca striker Luis Suarez has praised Lamine Yamal for displaying maturity at an early age in his career. He also claimed that the Spaniard takes responsibility in crucial fixtures for Blaugrana.
In a recent chat with the media, Suarez revealed (via GOAL):
"Lamine is a player who is showing maturity at an early age compared to others. He shows great maturity at the age of 17. He takes responsibility when he participates in important matches, and he has challenges that he imposes on himself as a Barcelona fan. I am very happy for him."
He added:
"He has to continue to enjoy himself and continue to gain experience in order to continue to improve. There are still things he needs to learn, as we all learned when we were 18, 20, or 25 years old. He is marking an era and making a big difference."
Yamal's display was one of the best by a teenager in Europe last season, earning him a Ballon d’Or 2025 nomination. In 55 appearances across competitions, he made 25 assists and scored 18 goals, winning a domestic treble.