Joan Laporta reveals whether Barcelona are looking at Nico Williams this summer | OneFootball

Few predicted the heights FC Barcelona would reach this season. With Hansi Flick newly installed as head coach, expectations were tempered last summer.

Back in the summer, Barcelona were also linked with a number of names in the transfer market, but eventually ended up signing Dani Olmo only. The Spaniard has proven to be an excellent signing, but back then, everyone wanted Nico Williams.

The Athletic Bilbao winger was the flavor of the season, having just lifted the Euros with Spain and playing a starring role with Lamine Yamal. The duo had a brilliant relationship both on and off the pitch, and everyone wanted it to continue at Barcelona.

Nico Williams snubbed Barcelona move

Nico Williams was the flavour of the season last year. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

However, the 22-year-old winger chose to snub the Catalan club and stay in Bilbao, as they had the chance to win the Europa League at home this season. It did not work out as per plan, though, as the Basque club got thrashed by Man Utd in the semi-finals.

Laporta was speaking to TV3 after his side became Spanish champions, and he was asked if Nico Williams was going to be looked at again this summer. The president, however, seemed to hint that the ship had sailed, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“We considered him along with Olmo. But at this moment, I think they are considering other players.”

Laporta’s words make one wonder if this is a statement the club is making to reiterate that if a player doesn’t want to move to Barcelona, he might not be considered again. Profile-wise, not many players make more sense than the Basque winger.

Barcelona should return for Nico

Nico Williams compared to Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. (Source: DataMB)

Yes, he turned down a move to Barcelona this summer, but one wonders if the interest could just go away. If Nico is available this summer, it would make sense for Deco to pursue a move as the team needs a winger exactly like him.

Nico can offer something very different to Raphinha on the left and can also provide cover to Lamine Yamal on the right, due to being incredibly two-footed. It won’t make much sense for Barcelona to pass up on this opportunity.

Nico Williams may have declined Barcelona once, but with his versatility and elite profile, he still fits the club’s long-term needs. Laporta’s recent comments suggest the door may be closing, but in football, such decisions are rarely final.

As the summer window approaches, whether Barcelona revisit their interest in the Basque winger or look elsewhere could prove one of the more intriguing storylines to follow.