21-year-old Barcelona target that Xavi ‘loves’ prioritising renewal with La Liga club

Owing to their financial situation, Barcelona have had to dip their toes in the free-agent pool in recent transfer windows.

And, the trend is expected to continue next summer as well, with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams very much on the La Liga champions’ agenda.

The 21-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Athletic Club and would be available for free in 2024 if he does not sign a new deal.

Xavi ‘loves’ Nico Williams

Now, according to journalist Albert Fernandez on GOL, Barcelona are indeed closely following Nico Williams as an option for the next summer window.

The journalist states that Barça manager Xavi Hernandez ‘loves’ the 21-year-old winger, who has made a fine start to the 2023/24 season.

Indeed, the young attacker has four assists in four La Liga matches, following which he starred for the Spanish national team during the recent international break as well.

Barcelona are understood to be admirers of Nico Williams as Xavi has been keen on adding a winger of his characteristics to the squad.

Williams prioritising Athletic Club renewal

However, Albert Fernandez goes on to mention that, at this point, Williams is prioritising signing a new contract with Athletic Club to prolong his stay in the Basque country.

But if in case he is unable to reach an agreement, the 21-year-old Spanish international’s next preference would be a move to Barcelona.

There has been interest in Williams from clubs in England, with Aston Villa and Liverpool said to be admirers of his talents.

However, at this point, the winger moving to the Premier League is 99% ruled out, as per the aforementioned source.

With Athletic eager to renew and the player also seemingly open to signing a new contract, it appears that Barcelona could be set for disappointment in their pursuit of Williams for free.