Barcelona now facing competition in transfer race to sign Nico Williams

With his performances in the UEFA EURO 2024, Nico Williams has made himself the top transfer target for FC Barcelona this summer. The Catalans previously had a midfield pivot at the top of their priority list for this transfer window, but Nico’s explosion in the international tournament has compelled them to make him their most desired target.

The Barcelona President has also assured that his club has the means to sign the Athletic Club winger this summer, despite there being widespread concerns about the economic health of the Catalan club. Reportedly, he is also the preferred candidate of Hansi Flick to strengthen his team’s left wing.

The player’s release clause of €58 million also makes him an affordable target for the Catalans, as a winger of his quality would cost significantly more in the current market.

However, as SPORT has reported, Barcelona are not the only side pursuing the winger, as three big European clubs, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also seeing the Spaniard as a target for themselves this summer.

None of these clubs has made an offer for Nico, as they all know that Athletic Club would only refer to the player’s release clause if they want to get him, but their greater economic might can put up a significant challenge for FC Barcelona.

However, Barcelona have the advantage that Nico Williams wants to play for them in case he leaves Athletic Club, especially as the 21-year-old Spaniard has a good relationship with several Blaugrana stars, including Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Balde, and Cubarsi.

But the Catalans will still have to do a lot of work if they are to sign the Spaniard. For starters, they need to return to the 1:1 rule to be able to undertake this operation within their FFP constraints.