Barcelona fully aware of fans’ admiration for former target who rejected move in 2024 | OneFootball

Lamine Yamal lit up the park against France when Spain took to the field in the semifinal of the UEFA Nations League last night and helped guide the team to the final alongside the likes of Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal.

What was evident through the game, however, was the undeniable bond he shares with Nico Williams and one could not help but go back to the links between Barcelona and the Basque star that surfaced last summer.

Williams, after all, was the Catalans’ primary target in the window and was very close to completing the move until he anti-climactically chose to stay at Athletic Club for one more season and crushed the dream.

An option this summer?

Barcelona are back in the market looking for a new left-winger, primarily to serve as a rotational option given Raphinha’s sensational season.

As relayed by Achraf Ben Ayad in a recent report, Barcelona are fully aware that Nico Williams is an option, especially given the admiration the club’s faithful have for the player given his role in the national team and bond with Yamal.

Nico rejected Barcelona in 2024. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The club’s stance on whether or not to go for him, however, remains unclear and it must be seen if Joan Laporta and Co. return in the race to secure him.

After all, they were adamant last summer that it was Nico’s only chance to arrive.

The journalist also conveys that while the emotional aspect of Nico’s transfer and his rejection last summer bear heavy, they may well not be the seasons responsible if he does not sign for Barcelona this summer.

No elaboration has been provided on what the actual hurdles may be, but the grey area may well be referring to Barcelona’s financial situation or the fact that Williams demands a starting role that Hansi Flick currently simply cannot guarantee.