According to the newspaper Sport, Barça would have definitively ruled out signing Nico Williams for the next market. The Athletic Club winger is no longer on the list of priorities for the sports management. The mentioned media assures that Nico Williams has "missed the train" to wear Barça's jersey, and now the club is looking for other options.
Barça doesn't know if they will be able to sign and, moreover, Barça doesn't want to try again after his "NO" last summer.
Nico Williams Would No Longer Be a Target This Summer
It should be remembered that Nico Williams was Barça's main target last summer. He was the main bet of the sports management to strengthen the left wing. However, the club's delicate economic situation, especially due to the excess in the salary cap, prevented the signing from being executed.
That missed opportunity has proven to be definitive. The sports management understands that, beyond the player's talent, the current economic context forces them to prioritize the financial viability of each move. Barça has turned the page to focus on other market alternatives.
Barça Seeks Affordable Options
The club still has as one of its priorities to strengthen the left wing, a position they consider key for Flick's playing model.
However, La Liga's Fair Play restrictions condition the decisions, and force Barça to seek more affordable options in terms of transfers and salaries. Therefore, the club is looking for cheaper options than Nico.
The Star Approaching Barça
In this sense, the name that is most liked in the offices is Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian winger, whose contract ends in 2026, has caught attention for his explosiveness, dribbling, and growth potential. His contractual situation would allow for an exit at a more manageable figure than Nico's, around 30 or 40 million euros, according to El Nacional.
Lookman fits the profile Barça is looking for, as he is a consolidated player with great one-on-one ability. The sports management would have already initiated the first contacts to explore the feasibility of the signing, with the intention of advancing if market conditions allow.