Nico Williams remains one of the names highlighted in red by Barça. The Athletic winger, after his brilliant performance in the 2024 Euro Cup, keeps his status as a priority target. Despite a somewhat more discreet season, his quality is undisputed.
The blaugrana sports management values his speed, dribbling, and ability to connect. With Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo in the dynamics, they are looking for a similar profile that adds real competition on the wing. Nico fits that idea.
But Barça's interest doesn't stop there. Joan Laporta and Deco have another player from San Mamés on their list who has grown spectacularly this season.
Flick Wants More Offensive Depth
Hansi Flick has requested reinforcements to improve the team's pace in key areas. He believes Barça needs more penetration, more physicality, and more goals from the second line. Therefore, they are not only looking for wingers.
The German coach wants a team capable of dominating with and without the ball. Players who understand the game between the lines but also know how to break from the back. That mix is difficult to find in the current market.
La Liga doesn't offer many profiles like that. But at Athletic, one has exploded with force this season and has caught the blaugrana's attention.
Although the media spotlight is on Nico, Deco is already working in parallel on another operation. The goal is to anticipate possible departures or injuries and build a team with more competitive depth. The idea of bringing two footballers from the same club is not new.
At Barça, they know that negotiating with Athletic is not easy. The clauses are high, and in Bilbao, they don't sell; they only release if the set prices are paid. Even so, there is internal conviction that the effort is worth it.
The figures are demanding but manageable if certain departures occur this summer. The club already has advanced reports on the two players.
A Key Piece in the Current Athletic
The player of interest, besides Nico, has been essential in the best version of Athletic this season. He has become an offensive reference, a silent leader, and one of the team's top scorers. His evolution has been constant.
He has physicality, game vision, goals, and tactical understanding. A very uncommon profile in current Spanish soccer. That makes him a highly desired gem by top-level clubs.
His clause is high but not unreachable. From Bilbao, they are already preparing for a summer of offers difficult to refuse.
The blaugrana club doesn't want to miss this opportunity. Laporta and Deco consider it the moment to strongly bet on national talent proven in LaLiga. Moreover, both players fit with the club's philosophy and Flick's vision.
The locker room also welcomes the arrival of reinforcements who already know the championship. The current squad lacks that type of player with offensive presence and second-line penetration. The coaching staff has made it clear.
Everything is underway, and if there are no setbacks, Barça could close one of the most powerful moves of the summer.
The Second Target Is...
Barça's other great desire is Oihan Sancet. The Navarrese attacking midfielder has scored 15 goals in 23 matches and has become the great reference of Valverde's team. His profile fits perfectly in the project Flick wants to build.
Barça believes he can be Gündogan's natural replacement in the medium term. Young, mature, and capable of taking on leadership. If Laporta manages to bring together Nico and Sancet, the statement will be total.
San Mamés doesn't rule out that this summer will come with suitcases ready to leave.