Barcelona Eye Nico Williams Transfer, But Deco Warns Smart Spending Over Sentiment

Barcelona want to sign Nico Williams, but Deco has warned the conditions of any transfer must be right for the club.

LaLiga champions Barca are in the market for a left winger, with Athletic Bilbao star Williams and Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz on their shortlist.

Williams, who played a starring role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, registered 18 goal involvements in all competitions for Athletic Bilbao in 2024-25.

The 22-year-old created 70 chances, while completing 124 dribbles and overperforming his expected goals (xG) by 3.7.

Bilbao are reportedly demanding upwards of €60m for Williams, who has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea.

"We need to strengthen that position," Barca sporting director Deco told La Vanguardia.

"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.

He added: "It's nice that [Yamal] is Nico's friend, but this isn't a club of friends. 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, and Monaco are interested in signing the 22-year-old.

"Given his age and his career, he can't go another year without playing," said Deco.

"We're open to not putting any obstacles in the way of his departure. Monaco have spoken to us. The player wants a loan."