Barcelona plot swoop for Man Utd's IDEAL Antony replacement

Imre Himmelbauer

Updated: 14 Sept 2023 17:12 BST
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United — © ProShots

Barcelona have spoken to Nico Williams' agent, Sport reports.

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The Spanish outlet writes that the Athletic Club winger is being closely followed by the Barcelona board of directors and trainer Xavi Hernández. Williams has an expiring contract in the Basque Country and can therefore be picked up on a free transfer next summer.

The 21-year-old attacker has started the season on fire, currently recording an assist per game for the Bilbao outfit. Athletic Club would like to keep the young Spanish international with ten caps to his name and it is expected that the club will soon offer him a contract until the summer of 2026.

READ: Barcelona unable to register €45m wonderkid after La Liga SLASHES salary cap

However, Barcelona hope to strike before Williams renews and have informed agent Felix Tainta that he is on the shortlist at Barcelona and will become extra interesting if he can be picked up on a free transfer.

What makes the transition a lot more likely is that Williams maintains a close relationship with several Barcelona players. He is good friends with Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Baldé and Gavi and is even said to be 'inseparable' from the Barcelona players in the Spain national team. His close relationship with Yamal and Baldé in particular has attracted attention in Spain.

Ideal Antony replacement

Barcelona's interest is a big blow for Erik ten Hag's Manchester United. The Dutch coach sees Williams as a very interesting option to strengthen the right flank. United are currently struggling with personnel problems in that area due to the situations surrounding Antony and Jadon Sancho.

Antony is accused of violent behaviour by several women. The 23-year-old Brazilian, who came from Ajax last summer for at least €95 million, denies all allegations. Nevertheless, the club and player have decided in consultation that it is better if Antony goes on leave for the time being and does not train or play with his team.

READ: Sancho EXILED by Man Utd after bust up with Ten Hag

Sancho, meanwhile, is openly at odds with Ten Hag, who publicly stated that the 23-year-old Englishman had failed to impress in training. Sancho then accused the Dutch coach of lying, which has now led to him being exiled from the first-team squad.