Barcelona target Copa America star as Nico Williams alternative

James Shearman

• Updated: 4 Jul 2024 19:15 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have reportedly identified an alternative to Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

Williams is one the most sought-after players in Europe at the moment after an excellent 2023-24 season.

The winger provided five goals and 11 assists and La Liga and has continued in similar form at this summer's European Championship with Spain.

READ MORE: Latest Barcelona transfer rumours

His release clause is set at €55 million, which is not an unreasonable fee for a player of his quality, but Barca are in well-documented financial difficulty.

As a result, they may be forced to look elsewhere, and it would appear that they have already found a 'plan B'.

Indeed, Spanish journalist Marcos Benito told El Chiringuito TV that the Catalan club are interested in Uruguayan winger Maximiliano Araujo.

Araujo, who plays for Mexican club Toluca, is enjoying a fantastic Copa America campaign.

He scored against both Panama and Bolivia as Marcelo Bielsa's side went unbeaten in the group stage.

With a release clause of €20m, the 24-year-old would be a much cheaper alternative to Williams.

Hansi Flick wants Nico Williams

Hansi Flick has reportedly given the green light for the club to pursue a deal for Williams.

According to SPORT, while Flick did not insist on Barca making any specific transfers during the talks to hire him, both he and the club agreed that Williams should be the ‘priority’ if a move is financially possible.

Williams has insisted that he has no desire to leave Athletic but Barca will still try to sign him this summer.

It will all depend on whether the club can raise enough funds through player sales to finance a move.