Nico Williams transfer decision imminent amid Barcelona and PSG interest

James Shearman
James Shearman
  • Updated: 26 Jul 2024 21:18 BST
  • 3 min read
Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Barcelona
© IMAGO

Nico Williams will reportedly decide on his future imminently, amid interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

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Williams can either join one of those two clubs or choose to stay at Athletic Bilbao.

The winger, who registered five goals and 11 assists in La Liga last season, is one of the most highly-rated young players in Europe.

READ MORE: Barcelona ready to offload €61m wonderkid after one season

Indeed, his performances at the recent European Championship - which Spain won - put the world on notice.

PSG would love to make him their next marquee signing and would be willing to offer him an incredible pay rise.

Barcelona, on the other hand, would struggle to raise the funds to complete a deal and could not compete with PSG's contract offer.

However, there is a feeling that Williams might prefer to stay in Spain and the Catalan club are one of the biggest in the world.

It would be a logical move for Williams to make and the one that many expect.

And, if SPORT is correct, Barca fans will not have to wait much longer to find out if it will happen.

How Barcelona would line up with Nico Williams

Marc-Andre ter Stegen isn’t fancied by some sections of Barcelona fans, but he remains the club’s number one and he will not be replaced this summer.

Jules Kounde will have to settle for a regular right-back role, despite preferring to play at centre-back, with Ronald Araujo partnering the talented La Masia graduate Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the defence.

Joao Cancelo has returned to Manchester City following his loan spell at Barca, meaning Alejandro Balde will likely resume first-choice left-back duties.

Barcelona are yet to sign a long-term Sergio Busquets heir, but Frenkie de Jong is set to continue in a deep-lying role, alongside Spanish duo Gavi and Pedri. Ilkay Gundogan will pick up consistent minutes too, but Gavi and Pedri will be almost guaranteed starters when fully fit.

Robert Lewandowski will lead the line, despite his declining form, while Lamine Yamal and Williams will provide pace and creativity on the flanks.

Barcelona’s starting XI with Nico Williams

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen

RB: Jules Kounde

CB: Ronald Araujo

CB: Pau Cubarsi

LB: Alejandro Balde

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

CM: Gavi

CM: Pedri

RW: Lamine Yamal

ST: Robert Lewandowski

LW: Nico Williams

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