Nico Williams is already Barcelona’s first option over Luis Diaz. The club appreciates Nico’s efforts, and they expected more from Diaz to force himself out of Liverpool.
Barcelona are intensifying efforts to secure Athletic Bilbao’s star winger, Nico Williams, with negotiations involving the player’s agent, Félix Tainta, and club sporting director Deco progressing rapidly, according to sources cited by Mundo Deportivo.
The 22-year-old Spanish international, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, has emerged as Barcelona’s top transfer target, overtaking Liverpool’s Luis Díaz after the Reds rebuffed an approach last week.
Reports indicate that Barcelona are prepared to activate Williams’ €70 million release clause within the next two to three weeks, signalling a bold move to bolster their attack.
Williams, who rejected Barcelona last summer citing financial concerns, has now expressed a strong desire to join the Blaugrana, reportedly willing to turn down lucrative offers from Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea to seal the move.
“Nico wants Barça and only Barça,” an X post from @FCB_Xabhi
claimed, reflecting sentiment among fans and insiders.
The transfer’s success hinges on Barcelona’s ability to navigate their financial constraints, with club president Joan Laporta actively assessing the deal’s feasibility.
Athletic Bilbao, stunned by the renewed talks, are bracing for the potential loss of their key player, who has scored 40 goals in 188 matches.
Alonso on Rodrygo
Elsewhere, Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, is prioritising Brazilian forward Rodrygo for the 2025-26 season, quashing rumours of a potential exit despite interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.
Alonso’s appointment, confirmed on May 26, has shifted Real Madrid’s transfer strategy, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s anticipated free transfer from Liverpool also in focus.
Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool exit
In Italy, Napoli are advancing talks for Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, viewed as a replacement for the departing Victor Osimhen.
The Uruguayan striker, whose long-term future at Anfield remains uncertain, has also attracted interest from Atlético Madrid and Saudi clubs, with Napoli’s pursuit intensifying under manager Antonio Conte.
At Liverpool, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is set to join as a long-term successor to Andy Robertson, who is taking time to recover from injury concerns.
Kerkez’s father confirmed the move, stating, “Everything is agreed, just some little things,” with the £45 million transfer expected to be finalised soon. Liverpool’s recent 3-2 loss to Brighton highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, amplifying the urgency for reinforcements.
