In FC Barcelona's offices, they're not only thinking about the present. Joan Laporta and Deco are already outlining a medium-term plan with the goal of building a young forward line, explosive and capable of bringing the club back to the European elite. With Hansi Flick's approval, the immediate priority is clear: Nico Williams.
The Athletic Club winger is the most desired player of this summer transfer window and, if everything goes as planned, he'll soon become a new blaugrana footballer. Barça is ready to pay the €60 million ($60 million) release clause, as long as it manages to free up the necessary wage bill to register him. The understanding with the player is total and Flick himself considers him a key piece.
Plan outlined at the club
The first step, then, seems to be on track: securing the signing of Nico Williams and starting to build the attack of the future. But the move for Nico won't be the last one. In fact, in Barça's offices, they're already working with a bigger idea: to close the signing of Julián Álvarez in 2026 as the natural heir to Robert Lewandowski.
The Argentine striker is Deco's favorite to complete a front three that excites all Barcelona fans: Lamine Yamal on the right, Nico Williams on the left, and Julián as the "9." Julián fits perfectly into the style Flick wants to implement: he's mobile, links up well, presses effectively, moves intelligently between the lines, and scores goals. That's why Barça believes his understanding with Lamine and Nico would be immediate.
With that in mind, work has already begun discreetly. Everything indicates that there have already been preliminary contacts with the player's camp and the roadmap is clear to go after him in the summer of 2026.
€100 million ($100 million) to close the front three
The price of the operation won't be low. The club estimates that Julián Álvarez's transfer would be around €100 million ($100 million), but they trust Barça's financial situation will be more solid at that time. Laporta wants to avoid improvisation and, for that reason, he's already given Deco the green light to start preparing the ground in advance.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on Nico. His arrival won't only strengthen the team in the present, but it'll also serve as the foundation to build the forward line of the future.