While the summer transfer window might have closed only recently, the planning for the next year appears to be already underway at FC Barcelona.
Just like in the past couple of years, the focus will be on roping in quality players in a cost-effective manner and as such, there will be a keen eye on the free-agent pool for the summer.
There are several interesting players whose contracts expire in the summer of 2024 and Barcelona are already making moves for one such star, it seems.
Barcelona interested in Nico Williams
Indeed, Alfredo Martinez via SPORT is reporting that Barcelona are closely following the situation of Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams.
The 21-year-old winger, a product of the Athletic Club academy, is set to become a free agent next summer as his contract with the Basque club expires at the end of the season.
A talented young forward, Williams has attracted the attention of Xavi and the Barça board owing to his impressive form for club and country.
Indeed, the winger, whose market value stands at €30 million, has four assists in four games in La Liga this season while he was also one of the best players for Spain during the recently-concluded international break.
That, coupled with his potential free agency status has alerted Barcelona over a possible move for 2024.
Contacts made with agent
As such, the La Liga champions are already understood to made contact with Williams’ agent, Felix Tainta, to inform him that he is on the club’s radar, especially in case he became free next year.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, are aware of Barça’s interest and are keen on handing the 21-year-old a new three-year contract. The Basque club wish to retain the young attacker and make him their franchise player.
Williams, for his part, has struck up a great camaraderie with some of the Barça players such as Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Alejandro Balde when playing with the Spanish national team.
Whether it influences the decision over his future will be interesting to see. For now, though, the exciting young winger is on Barcelona’s radar for the summer of 2024.