After tying down the goalkeeper Joan Garcia, FC Barcelona are now looking to strengthen their attack, and for this purpose, they have set their sights on the Athletic Club forward Nico Williams.
Reports suggest that the Blaugranes have already reached a personal agreement with the winger, and after the fiasco of last year, he is finally set to join the Catalan team this time.
His arrival will significantly improve the Barcelona attack, but this can also force Hansi Flick to alter the position of one of the best players on his team last season, i.e., Raphinha.
Raphinha’s classy and confident response to Nico Williams’s potential arrival
BILBAO, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Nico Williams of Athletic Club celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de San Mames on April 13, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.
(Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
However, the Brazilian forward does not seem too concerned about Nico’s potential arrival. This was clear as he spoke to the media and the spectators while attending an advertising event in Brazil.
As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Blaugrana captain was clear that he would welcome the Basque forward to his team:
“Any player who comes to contribute to the club is welcome. I believe that anyone who arrives with the mentality to work hard and give their best for the good of the team is very welcome.”
Further talking about Nico, the Canarinha star said:
“It’s no coincidence that he’s being considered to play with us at Barcelona and is already playing for the Spanish national team. He’s a player of the highest quality. He has great level and immense talent.”
Raphinha says he has no negative feelings
Raphinha was clear that he was not having any negative feelings because of a new arrival for his position:
“There’s no reason to be sad or down about anything, whether it’s the arrival of one player or another. As I said, any teammate who comes with the mindset of working hard to help the team will be very welcome — by me and by the rest of the players. That’s what matters most.”
With the 2024-25 season that he has had, Raphinha needs to have no fears about his position in the Barcelona team. Even if Nico arrives, Flick will have to find a way to integrate both these players into his lineup to make his team even more intimidating next season.