If there were any doubts about Nico Williams’ abilities, the recently finished EURO 2024 moved away all of them. The Athletic Bilbao winger is probably the most sought-after player in Europe at the moment, considering his age and talents. Even the price is not so big – ‘only’ 58 million euros. So, the young Spanish talent has a lot of offers, and the problem is not the money but his decision: will he leave Bilbao and if so, to which club will he go? And that’s where Lamine Yamal comes into play.Penniless Barca are not only after Nico but have thrown a hook to their long-lost sonThe two youngsters became best mates on international duty and spent all their free time together. And the continuation of that relationship is key for Barcelona, who are desperate to sign the player. Since they are not even close to Real Madrid’s spending power and will not be able to get hold of Jude Bellingham or Kylian Mbappe type of player, they must do something else to be competitive against Galacticos 3.0 which Florentino Perez assembled at Santiago Bernabeu. Apart from their extraordinary academy talents (Pedri, Gavi, Cubarsi, Jamal), they need at least one or two players to assemble a formidable force and Williams is the one. Barcelona is expected to find the amount needed for the transfer within days (according to some reports, they already have the cash) and Bilbao is not giving any discounts. Whoever wants to sign him will need to pay all 58 million euros in full, without any instalments. Imagine Yamal and Nico upgraded: Spain are going for the 2030 World Cup crown on home soilAccording to Marca, Barcelona is using friendship with Yamal to persuade Williams to say ‘yes’ to the transfer. The youngster can choose other clubs or even decide to stay in Bilbao for another year but the Catalans believe that being in the same club as his best mate will be decisive. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s executives have already informed the player’s agent that they need his definite answer in the next few days. If Williams agrees, Barca will pay 58 million to Bilbao in full and then focus on finding additional cash to bring back Dani Olmo (also the club’s former academy player). If he refuses, the money for Williams will be immediately used to sign the RB Leipzig’s player. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8221753##
