Deco confirms Barcelona will try to sign Nico Williams
Barcelona confirmed it wants to sign Nico Williams, but Sporting Director Deco has warned the conditions of any transfer must be right for the club.
LaLiga champion Barca is in the market for a left winger, with Athletic Club star Williams and Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz on its shortlist.
Williams, who played a starring role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, registered 18 goal involvements in all competitions for Athletic in 2024-2025.
The 22 year-old created 70 chances, while completing 124 dribbles and overperforming his expected goals (xG) by 3.7.
The Bilbao club is reportedly demanding upwards of €60m for Williams, who has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea.
"We need to strengthen that position," Deco said. "We only have Lamine [Yamal] and Raphinha as wingers because Ferran [Torres] is increasingly becoming a striker. When Yamal and Raphinha don't play, the team's level drops.
"There are several criteria. First, the player must believe in the project. Nico didn't happen last year, although for me the priority was Dani Olmo.
"Both Nico and other players show a desire to come. If the circumstances are right, we'll try.
"To sign a player, you have to follow the right steps. In this case, everything is very clear. He has a [release] clause. Then we'll see how we can make what the player and the club want happen."
Williams has struck up a bond with Barca star Yamal while on international duty, but Deco said friendships mean little when it comes to big-money transfers.
"It's nice that [Yamal] is Nico's friend, but this isn't a club of friends," he said. "We come here to work and try to win.
"We already had Nico in our sights last summer; he's a name we've always had in mind. If they get along well, all the better."
One winger who is not in Barca's plans is Ansu Fati.
Fati inherited the number 10 shirt from Lionel Messi, but as of yet has been unable to live up to his potential, with Monaco interested in signing the 22 year-old.
"Given his age and his career, he can't go another year without playing," Deco said. "We're open to not putting any obstacles in the way of his departure. Monaco have spoken to us. The player wants a loan."
