It would appear that as the summer gets closer, FC Barcelona are starting to get their priorities in order. La Blaugrana are aware of their limitations in terms of spending, but that simply means they have to be smart with their resources. Consequently, planning will be key, and Barcelona are already making progress on that end.
The first priority in terms of transfers will be the signing of an elite pivot, beyond just the expected arrival of Guido Rodriguez. Both Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi are seen as strong options for this, and only after a top pivot has been signed will Barcelona move forward.
However, the very next objective would be to sign a winger with overflow and dynamic traits. For this specific profile, Barcelona have picked out Nico Williams as the ideal candidate. Moreover, according to SPORT, Barça have already begun to make progress on that end to capture the signature of the Spanish winger.
The Catalan giants, aware of the loyalty that Williams still holds towards his current team Athletic Club, are assessing all the possibilities to bring him over to Barcelona. They maintain a good relation with his entourage, and despite his renewal with the Basque club, his reported release clause of around €50 million is something that La Blaugrana believe is in feasible reach for them.
Furthermore, with Athletic Club likely to miss out on the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona could more likely guarantee participation in that competition as well. Moreover, there are other reasons that push Barcelona into liking the player as an option as well.
For one, with the introduction of a proper pivot, Barcelona want to return to a more traditional 4-3-3. To use that formation effectively, Xavi Hernandez needs two pure wingers to count on. While Lamine Yamal and Raphinha offer that possibility on the right wing, Nico would bring the same level of dynamism to the left as well.
Moreover, his relationship with several of the Spanish Barcelona players is also very positive. Coupled with his own international experience and the fact that he has been a positive influence under the mentorship of Luis de la Fuente as well, Xavi would be willing to guarantee him a regular place in the lineup.
