21-year-old Barcelona free transfer target would prefer to join Real Madrid – report

Barcelona have their eyes on Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as a possible transfer target for the summer of 2024.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, with his contract with the Basque club expiring.

And, Barça have taken a keen interest in young Nico Williams, with reports suggesting that the La Liga champions have been working on the deal for months now.

Real Madrid meddling in the deal

But, now, as per SPORT, Real Madrid are meddling in Barcelona’s efforts to try and sign Nico Williams as a free agent next summer.

Indeed, as per the report, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez sees the 21-year-old Spanish international as a good fit into the club’s recruitment policy.

And while they have not made any moves yet, in Madrid they believe that if Nico Williams were to leave Athletic Club for free in the summer, he would prefer a transfer to Real Madrid.

The winger, brother of Inaki Williams, has held renewal talks with Athletic Club and that would ideally be his first priority.

However, talks over the extension have stalled of late, and come January he would be eligible to talk to any club of his wish over a free transfer at the end of the season.

And, the report suggests that if Real Madrid were to come up with an offer that financially satisfies him, Nico Williams would prefer a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona have been in contact

As mentioned previously, Barcelona have taken a strong interest in Nico Williams and have made contact with his environment to understand the player’s desires.

There has been no movement beyond that point, though, but are waiting until January to see if the signing would be within the realm of possibility.

But with Real Madrid meddling and clubs from the Premier League also taking an interest, it would remain to be seen if the La Liga champions can land Nico Williams come summer.