Barcelona dealt transfer blow as target 'would rather join Real Madrid'

James Shearman

• Updated: 26 Sept 2023 17:43 BST
• 3 min read

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is reportedly a transfer target of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old is yet to make a decision on his future, with less than a year remaining on his contract.

As it stands, Athletic will be forced to sell him for a cut-price fee in January or risk losing him for free next summer.

READ MORE: Barcelona to sacrifice wonderkid to fund move for €100m star

Williams was previously expected to sign a two-year extension, with a €50m release clause, but there have been no recent advancements.

Now, it appears more likely that he will sign for either of La Liga's top clubs in the coming months.

El Chiringuito report that Barcelona are in contact with Williams' agent and have been working on a move for months.

However, the report also states that the winger 'would rather a move to Real Madrid' if he has to pick between the two.

Williams to Real Madrid

Real Madrid could benefit greatly from signing Williams in January, or at the end of the season.

Los Blancos are lacking options in attack, especially with Vinicius Junior struggling with injury, which meant that Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo started up front in Sunday's 3-1 defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid.

And, while 11 goals in six La Liga games is far from a poor return, both Barcelona and surprise package Girona have scored five more.

Williams could play in a front two, or on the right of a front three, and his electric pace would offer a threat in behind the opponent's backline.

With a plethora of playmakers in the team, including Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, this attribute could be used to great effect at the Santiago Bernabeu.