Barcelona will reportedly try again for Nico Williams next summer, with the Catalan giants determined to sign the Athletic Bilbao forward to bolster their options in the final third of the field.
Williams was widely expected to join Barcelona during the recent transfer window, with the €55m (£46m) release clause in his Athletic contract believed to have been activated by Hansi Flick's side.
However, the Spain international decided to remain with Athletic in order to represent the Basque club in Europe this term.
Williams has found it difficult to show his best form for Athletic this season, only managing two goals and three assists in 16 appearances, but he remains one of the most in-demand forwards in European football.
According to SPORT, Barcelona will move for another attacker in 2025, with senior figures at the club, including club president Joan Laporta, believing that 'another difference-maker' is required.
Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams on August 15, 2024© Imago
Barcelona 'want to sign Williams next year'
The report claims that Williams is still the club's priority target, but Barcelona will demand that Williams makes it clear that he wants to leave San Mames before officially launching a move.
"I'm not thinking about that right now," Williams told El Mundo last month when asked about his future beyond the end of the current season. "The fans are very happy that I'm staying here and I'm very happy to be here. Bilbao is my home, I want to continue enjoying it and the truth is that I'm very happy.
"I've always had things very clear and I think people see that. I think I'm doing really well and trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and in Europe, with that final in San Mames that excites us so much. That's the only thing that matters now."
Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are also believed to be interested in the Spaniard, with a move to the Premier League during next summer's transfer window also thought to be a serious possibility.
Spain duo Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal on July 14, 2024© Imago
Where could Williams fit into the Barcelona side?
When Flick has a fully-fit squad, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are Barcelona's front three, with the trio all in excellent form during the 2024-25 campaign.
Yamal has six goals and eight assists in 16 appearances, Raphinha has 13 goals and 10 assists in 19 appearances, while Lewandowski has 22 goals and two assists in 19 matches this term.
Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati could both leave next year, though, and Barcelona do lack quality depth in the forward areas, so it is not difficult to see why Williams is wanted by the Catalan side.
Williams, who is valued at €70m (£58m) by transfermarkt, primarily operates as a left-sided attacker, but he is also capable of playing down the right, and due to the volume of matches at Barcelona, there would be plenty of games for him if he joined next summer.
ID:559165:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5412: