Hansi Flick, like all Barcelona fans, has listened to Joan Laporta's press conference with excitement. FC Barcelona is on the right track, improving its finances and able to sign players.
It's not that Flick believes his team needs major reinforcements, but there are some positions that should be strengthened.
One of them is the rotation of both wingers, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Flick doesn't count on Ansu Fati and believes his two stars need more competition than what Ferran and Pau Víctor provide.
Nico Williams Has No Place in Current Barça
Additionally, Flick sees those two more as alternatives to Lewandowski than to the two wingers.
Good part of the work Deco must do in the coming months focuses there. It's also expected Tah will arrive for free to strengthen the center of defense if Araújo leaves. A full-back will also be added.
However, the most enticing position is that of forward. Nico Williams has been definitively ruled out there. Flick has discovered that he wouldn't have a place in his Barça.
The "transitional" year Nico Williams has given Athletic has done Barça a favor. It has worked to confirm that Barça was right not to close the deal last summer.
Poor Statistics
This season's statistics show that Nico is not up to the level of the two Barça players who play in his position. Even though at Athletic he is the big star and everyone plays for him, that wouldn't happen at FC Barcelona.
The issue is that, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are vital in goal and assist production, Nico Williams's figures don't match theirs. This explains why the Spanish international is already starting to look for opportunities in the Premier League next season.
Throughout the entire season, Nico Williams has directly participated in seven of his team's goals;Lamine Yamal in 19 and Raphinha in 28. The difference is huge and Barça can't afford to pay 60 million for a forward who plays away from the goal.
Marcus Rashford is the Chosen One
Neither Marcus Rashford, who is Flick's choice, matches Lamine Yamal's numbers. However, his season is complicated without the coach's trust and going in and out of the team.
Barça is betting on Rashford so Flick doesn't have nightmares every time he can't count on Lamine Yamal or Raphinha in his line-ups.
Rashford has given Deco the OK and Manchester United is eager to sell. According to Laporta, Barça is already at 1:1 and can buy whatever it pleases. However, they will try again to place Frenkie De Jong at Old Trafford in exchange for receiving Rashford for free.
These are the tasks Deco has pending for the coming weeks: A reliable, sought-after, and prestigious forward to alternate in the line-up with the irreplaceable Raphinha and Lamine.
The Statistics: Lamine and Raphinha Set Very High Standards
Lamine Yamal: 23 matches, 8 goals, and 11 assists
Raphinha: 27 matches, 19 goals, and 9 assists
Nico Williams: 24 matches, 2 goals, and 5 assists
Marcus Rashford: 24 matches, 7 goals, and 3 assists