If a report from Spanish outlet Diario Sport is believed to be true, Barcelona remain keen on Nico Williams despite failing to secure his services in the summer. They are expected to return for the Athletic Bilbao sensation in the coming days but have also identified Napoli ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the main alternative to the high-flying Spaniard.
The 22-year-old Roja international progressed through the esteemed academy ranks of Los Leones after brief stints with hometown club CD Pamplona and Osasuna. He joined Bilbao’s farm team Basconia for senior minutes, however, an impressive spell with the reserves in 2020-21 eventually earned him a regular La Liga status for the Basque outfit. So far he has netted 22 times and laid on 28 more in 137 senior outings [stats via Transfermarket] and his heroics in the UEFA Euro 2024 final must be one of the many reasons why Blaugrana chased his signing.
Deco, the club’s sporting director, recently explained the failed transfer saga citing Williams’ decision to continue at San Mamés.
“We brought in Dani Olmo who was our priority because we didn’t have that type of player in our squad. The idea with Nico was to add more competition upfront, because we wanted high-level competition, but once the player shows no interest in coming, there’s no further discussion.”
Williams has a €65m release clause in his Bilbao contract. But his wage demands of a net €9m to €10m per season might prove troublesome for the Catalans in the wake of their financial complications.
Why Barcelona Should Explore Both The Options
The rise of Lamine Yamal down the right-hand flank has helped Barca revive their relevance in Europe. Hansi Flick has done a remarkable job since replacing Xavi as the Camp Nou boss, and the potential arrival of Williams next summer should see them form a lethal, dynamic and exciting wide-attacking force for the next decade.
Having said that, the transformation of Raphinha has been a massive elevation from last season’s dire show. With 12 goals and 10 assists in 17 games across La Liga and Champions League, the Selecao star is currently irreplaceable on the left. The necessity of having Williams might fizzle out if he continues to impress in Barcelona colours.
Yet they might require reinforcements to challenge and cover the former Leeds United attacker. Kvaratskhelia has emerged as a viable option with his Napoli contract yet to be renewed. The Georgian has asked to include a €80m release clause along with a significant salary rise from €1.5m to €6m per year, and his demands could benefit the Catalan club in terms of bolstering themselves in the attacking third.
