Barcelona identify 24-year-old South American star as a potential alternative for Nico Williams - Reports
According to El Chiringuito, Barcelona have identified a potential alternative to Nico Williams. Toluca's Uruguayan winger Maxi Araujo has emerged as an option for them, and the 24-year-old could potentially cost a fraction of what Williams would.
The winger has scored nine and assisted as many in 59 appearances for the Mexican side, but he compares poorly to Williams. The Athletic Bilbao star has 20 goals and 26 assists in 122 games for the La Liga outfit.
The Blaugrana are well-known for their financial troubles, and with the expected demands for Araujo's set to be high, Araujo could be a reasonable risk. However, his lack of experience in European football counts against him.
Barcelona could still be tempted by his performances at the ongoing 2024 Copa America tournament in the United States of America. Araujo has scored two goals and provided an assist in three games.
Nico Williams, meanwhile, has also been brilliant for Spain at Euro 2024, and with Blaugrana keen to sign a winger, it remains to be seen what decision Hansi Flick's side make in the transfer window.
Sergino Dest pens emotional farewell to Barcelona
USMNT star Sergino Dest has penned an emotional farewell message to Barcelona following his departure from the club. The American returns to the Eredivisie where he will reunite with newly crowned Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven.
Dest joined the Blaugrana for a reported €21 million in 2020 and leaves the club for free after making 72 appearances, scoring three goals and assisting four. He took to social media after his departure:
“This is an emotional moment for me! An amazing club with such an nice history! I would have liked to see it differently but sometimes in life things are out of your control I had a great time, especially the first 2 years and would like to thank the fans, staff, players and everyone who supported me for these wonderful years may we meet again. Gracias por todo.”
Dest departs Barcelona to Eindhoven who he joined last season on loan and helped to a long-awaited league title. He made 37 appearances for the Dutch side, scoring twice and assisting seven times.