Barcelona prioritising signing £49m target before other deal

Barcelona are reportedly prioritising signing Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams this summer, as per the transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

It initially looked like the Blaugrana were in financial difficulties so they wouldn’t be able to spend big in this transfer window to reinforce their squad.

However, news started to emerge that Barcelona have found themselves in a stronger position financially, compared to last year, and therefore, they can sign new faces before the end of this window.

It appears the Catalan giants have identified the left-wing position as an area that needs reinforcements and have earmarked Williams as the primary target to do that.

After coming through the Basque club’s youth system, he has established himself as a talismanic figure for his boyhood club, helping them win the Copa del Rey title last term.

Barcelona keen on signing Williams

Following that, he played a key role for Spain in the recently concluded European Championship, guiding them to win this competition by scoring a goal in the final.

It was previously reported that Barcelona already started talks with Williams’ representatives to agree on personal terms with him before triggering his £49m release clause to finalise the deal. 

Barcelona are said to be also looking to purchase Dani Olmo and Joao Cancelo this summer. However, writing on X, Romano has reported that Barcelona are prioritising signing Williams first and they won’t look to purchase any other target before securing his signature. So, the journalist says Hansi Flick’s side have already held talks over a deal to sign Olmo but that move is currently on standby.

Romano wrote:

“Barcelona’s stance has not changed: total priority to Nico Williams, no other signing will be activated until they get final answer from Nico. Contacts took place for Dani Olmo but nothing will happen or advance until Nico deal is clarified. Same for João Cancelo.”

Williams is one of the best young talents in La Liga, hence purchasing a player of his qualities would be a great acquisition for Barcelona if they eventually manage to secure his signature before the end of this window.