FC Barcelona has suffered a new setback in its sports planning ahead of the summer transfer window. One of the names that caused the most excitement in the culé offices has decided to take a different path. Everything indicates that his destination will be Allianz Arena, where he's already awaited with open arms.
While at Camp Nou they were looking to strengthen the attack to support Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, in Munich they've accelerated contacts. The new project at Bayern, led by Vincent Kompany, has identified several key positions to shore up. Among them are the wingers, where they hope to make a splash in the market.
Raphinha during a training session | @FCBarcelona
Kompany rebuilds his Bayern with ambition
After failing to secure the signing of Florian Wirtz, the Bavarian side has had to readjust its priorities. Kompany wants a team with greater verticality and youth on the flanks to compete in Europe. That's why the new priorities are fast, unbalancing profiles with room for growth.
According to sources close to the German club, two names have gained traction in recent weeks: Bradley Barcola and Nico Williams. Both wingers have been linked with other major clubs, but Bayern has intensified their efforts to get ahead of everyone. The goal is to sign one of them before the start of preseason.
Florian Wirtz | Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern's moves also depend on the departures of some heavyweights from its current squad. Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sané, who aren't in Kompany's plans, are on the way out. Their high salaries and inconsistent performances have sped up contacts with potential buyers.
In Sané's case, his future could be solved soon, as his contract ends this June. Fenerbahçe has inquired about him and negotiations are open. Meanwhile, Coman has been offered in exchanges, although there's still no agreement with any club.
The chosen one is...
In this context, Nico Williams has become the favorite of Bayern's sporting management. The Spanish winger fits all the parameters the club is looking for: youth, explosiveness, and experience in major competitions. His release clause, €58 million, is manageable for the Bavarians.
Unlike Barcola, who requires a more complex negotiation, the deal for Nico would be more straightforward. If Bayern deposits the amount and the player gives the green light, the signing will be completed within days. In the player's camp, the German interest has been received enthusiastically.
Nico Williams wearing Athletic Club's jersey | @nicolas_williams9
At Can Barça, this news has come as a cold shower. Nico Williams has been on the culé radar during recent transfer windows, but a formal offer was never made. The club's financial situation, along with the wage cap, has prevented them from competing with the German proposal.
For the blaugrana board, his signing was an opportunity to add national talent with international projection. However, market conditions have been more favorable for Bayern. Now, Deco will have to reorganize his attacking priorities to reinforce that left flank.
Nico Williams with Athletic | @nicolas_williams9
A silent defeat for Barça
While Bayern is getting closer to closing the deal, at Barça they accept that this target has slipped away. Conversations at Camp Nou suggested that Nico could be the ideal reinforcement to support the youngsters. But with his move to Germany, that option is completely ruled out.
Nico Williams's decision highlights the gap that still separates Barça from other European giants. Although the culé interest was real, they haven't been able to turn it into a firm or competitive offer. In Munich, by contrast, they're already fine-tuning the details to make his signing official.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
The player who has ultimately chosen Bayern over Barça is Nico Williams. Despite the Catalan club's attempts to keep the interest alive, the Athletic winger has made a clear decision. His destination is Germany, where he hopes to keep growing as an elite footballer.
