Nico Williams's option fades away at Barça. The rise of Lamine Yamal, combined with Raphinha's best moment leaves him without options. Even so, Barça is still looking for a winger.
Laporta has decided not to get tangled up with Nico Williams. At Athletic, he has a salary of 10.5 million annually. At Barça, in contrast, he wouldn't earn less than 15, including all concepts.
Nico Williams Isn't up to Par with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha
His performance this season at Athletic isn't anything to write home about: 15 matches played in LaLiga, with 1 goal and 3 assists. This is far below the performance that Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are delivering, who play in his position.
Meanwhile, the youth player has 5 goals and 9 assists in LaLiga, while the Brazilian has 11 goals and 6 assists. It's clear that Nico Williams isn't at their level.
Barça's technical department is scouring the market for a cheaper and more effective Nico Williams in terms of scoring.
They've found him in the leader of the Italian league, Atalanta, which just last night faced a defeat against Real Madrid (3-2).
Outstanding Last Night against Real Madrid
The new Blaugrana target earned an outstanding rating from Barça's special envoy present at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
The target's name is Ademola Lookman. He's Nigerian, scored the 2-3 against Real Madrid, and netted a hat trick last Europa League finals.
He's a seasoned player, 27 years old, with extensive experience in the European international scene. Although born in Wandsworth (England), he later obtained Nigerian citizenship. He's an international with the Nigerian national team.
He Met Dani Olmo at Leipzig
He started at Charlton Athletic before signing with Everton. From there, he moved to Leipzig, where he coincided with the now Blaugrana Dani Olmo, with whom he had great chemistry.
Back to England to play for Fulham and Leicester and, finally, Atalanta of Bergamo, where he's in his third season.
At Lamine Yamal and Raphinha's Level
He's a key piece in Gasperini's schemes that have led Atalanta to the top of the Italian League. His stats are on par with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. 16 matches, 9 goals, and 5 assists.
A totally different profile compared with Nico Williams's poor stats at Athletic Bilbao.
Lookman's contract with Atalanta ends on June 30, 2026. That means he has this season and the next one left to become a free agent. Percassi, the Bergamo president, is trying to extend his contract, but his agent advises him not to rush.
A 20-Million-Euro Operation
He knows that Barça is after him and that the proximity of the end of his contract would allow a cheap operation (around 20 million). Ge would benefit, as he aims to earn 10 million annually, the same as Nico Williams already receives at Athletic.
Atalanta paid 15 million for his transfer in 2022. His current market value is 40-50 million.
Although he might seem like an unknown player, his name is in the 14th position on the voting list for the last Ballon d'Or.
He's the best-positioned candidate for the winger position that Deco wants to fill. He would arrive without a guaranteed starting spot, but his competition and quality would improve Lamine Yamal and Raphinha's leve. What's more, it would allow him to play many minutes.
Lookman would be the third player for two positions. In other words, he would be the first in the rotation.
Barça has already set things in motion with Lookman and is forgetting about Nico Williams for good.