Lamine Yamal jokingly reveals why ‘it’s better’ that Barcelona didn’t sign Nico Williams | OneFootball

Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal provided a humourous response, after being drawn on the club’s failed pursuit of Athletic Club star and close friend Nico Williams.

The name of wide-man Nico of course dominated the headlines in Catalunya’s capital throughout the summer transfer window in 2024.

This came after widespread confirmation was forthcoming that the 22-year-old – fresh off a stellar showing at the European Championships – had been identified as a leading target on the part of the Barcelona brass.

Amid a search for reinforcements in the final third, Nico was identified as the ideal profile by those behind the scenes at the Camp Nou.

In the end, though, no such transfer was forthcoming, with the attacker having gone on to put pen to paper on a contract extension with Athletic.

Speaking to the media this week, the subject of Barca’s efforts to bring a player who has become a close friend of his to the club was therefore put to Blaugrana starlet Lamine Yamal.

Specifically, during an interview with Cadena SER fresh off linking up with Nico at international level with Spain, Lamine was asked if he would have liked to join forces with his fellow winger at club level.

And the 17-year-old made use of the opportunity to have some fun at Nico’s expense, in assuring:

“It’s enough for me [to see him on international duty], it’s enough. Yeah, I can’t handle more of him than that! This way is better.”

Conor Laird – GSFN