Johan Cruyff, regarded as the spirit behind the modern Barcelona with La Masía as their center, once said that a potential recruit should never think twice about playing with the club.
In most cases, this has been true. But there have been exceptions, as sporting director Deco and the board are rumoured to attempt another signing of Nico Williams.
🚨🔵🔴 Nico Williams and Barça have agreed personal terms on 6 year deal!
Agreement sealed on player’s contract until June 2031 with the salary in the region of €7/8m net per season.
Barça are currently working on financial terms to get deal done with Athletic. pic.twitter.com/9iP8eAWEpc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2025
The Athletic Club star was close to an agreement last year. It never materialised due to Barcelona’s registration issues linked to their financial situation. Yet, this summer is a repeat.
A touchline left-winger as a priority
In Raphinha and Ferrán Torres, one could think Barça had more than enough to work within the position.
Raphinha became one of the best players of the season, while Torres proved to be a quality star who regularly scored off the bench. However, the elite never forgive and always aim to reach for the sky, which is the case for Barcelona. After so much investment in the forward area, the club still have no touchline winger on the left flank.
Barcelona fans seeing that Nico Williams has agreed to personal terms with the club, per multiple reports 🕺 pic.twitter.com/ZDmtgqIr74
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 19, 2025
Time has proven this was the missing piece to Hansi Flick’s puzzle. Too often has the dependency on Lamine Yamal’s creativity led to a lack of penetrative threat from the left, seen as a weakness in Barça’s headquarters. Opponents would often line their players up against the 17-year-old, aware that few chances would come down the left.
As such, it’s become a waste of resources as Yamal became the center of the world. For example, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi readjusted his team by piling up defenders against the Spanish talent, which proved to be sufficient enough to make it to the Champions League final.
Compensating for Lewandowski
Furthermore, Barcelona are unlikely to go for a new striker. Robert Lewandowski undoubtedly had a great 24/25 campaign, which is far from a given at his age.
However, if he were to once again play throughout all 90 minutes, this may be an issue due to fitness concerns related to his increasingly fragile body. His lack of mobility has forced Flick to come up with new solutions, which have led to both wingers taking up more scoring responsibilities.
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Nico Williams to FC Barcelona is for 98% done!
— @gerardromero pic.twitter.com/Icf3ZZQFXU
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) June 19, 2025
It was rather a makeshift, transitional idea, which should not be dragged on for several seasons. Enter Nico Williams. A penetrative winger would be welcome. Another reason, at least in the offence, could be that roles are about to change. Flick has always been described as an exigent coach, which would involve reinventing himself.
A change in the team’s structure
Several reports surfaced before the end of the season that Flick considered shifting Raphinha’s role to the center. The Brazilian was never the typical ‘jogo bonito’ dribbler, which is rare for Brazilians.
Instead, he turned out to be a hard worker who multiplied his runs in the box, which regularly disoriented his markers. This is about to change, as the injuries of Dani Olmo have often led Raphinha to replace his teammate.
🎥 Nico Williams Highlights
💭 Welcome to FC Barcelona
— Barça Spaces (@BarcaSpaces) June 17, 2025
An attacker would imply improving the attack. However, a move for Nico Williams would also alleviate Balde’s offensive duties.
The left-back has been in charge of attacking the left flank as Raphinha inverted, which would overwhelm him. He is neither an offensive full-back nor a machine that can incessantly run up and down. His passing has not been particularly impressive either.
This is also where Nico Williams would come in. Since Balde has often been outclassed in transitions, the 22-year-old would fulfill Balde’s offensive duties. In turn, this would allow Alejandro Balde to focus on his defensive duties, necessary in Barça’s risky high-line.
🚨🚨🌕| BREAKING: Barcelona believe that they will have NO PROBLEMS in paying Nico Williams’ €62M release clause.
Personal terms already agreed.
[@rac1] 🔵🔴🔥✅ pic.twitter.com/AFV89mWDvt
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) June 19, 2025
It also means Barcelona could combine more offensive variations, such as Balde occupying the spaces vacated by Williams.
There aren’t many options in the transfer market. Barça don’t have an unlimited budget either, and need to reinforce in other areas after signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.
A (rare) second attempt
Although Deco initially claimed Barcelona wouldn’t go for Williams after he rejected the club last Summer, insiders have assured that the club will push for the youngster once more. It’ll be a difficult operation, especially with Athletic Club reaching the Champions League.
Barça aren’t the only club after the young talent, though they’re considered the strongest candidate. The reason? Other English clubs can only offer money.
Trent to Xabi Alonso after seeing Nico Williams/Balde combo on his flank pic.twitter.com/gXYze5POcf
— 𝚄𝙶𝙾𝙲𝙷𝚄𝙺𝚆𝚄⚡️ (@UgoOsinobi) June 19, 2025
Nico Williams has good relations with several Barcelona players, including Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Pedri. This was also how the club lured García in, through connections built in national team camps.
Barcelona need change to evolve
The key to staying at the top is to continue investing. Many club projects fail to take off because they stagnate, whether it’s due to financial shortcomings or a lack of sporting vision. In the case of Flick’s Barça, his team have relied (too much) on one man in the playmaking department, as was noticed during his absence.
The club need to find more creative players, in order to avoid another ‘Pedri’ scenario.
Who remembers this amazing goal from Nico Williams against Barcelona? pic.twitter.com/7ihdQ35G7N
— Brian (@Bri_an2) June 18, 2025
The Barcelona project is probably one of the most appealing. Nico Williams will see his paycheck raised by several zeroes while playing with his friends. At his age, there is nothing better than access to elite-level football while keeping the childish joy of co-working with buddies.
The biggest reason behind his initial rejection was the lack of financial security and the uncertainty of playing due to registration issues.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams’ combined age (39) is younger than Cristiano Ronaldo (40).
Barcelona’s attack could be set for the next decade ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/ByWukAd8VJ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 19, 2025
It’s not the case this Summer, as Barcelona’s wage bill has improved. Despite the rejection, they’re aware they urgently need a left-winger, which would help several players and diversify the team’s play in the final third.
There is little doubt that few players tick all the boxes for Barça, while already having demonstrated their expertise in La Liga with Athletic Club.
