Barcelona will prioritise signing 22-year-old Spanish international Nico Williams instead of 28-year-old Liverpool winger Luis Diaz in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nico Williams is the subject of interest from Barcelona. In addition, Luis Diaz is a target for the reigning La Liga champions. The Catalan giants are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit in the summer transfer window by signing a wide attacker.

So, the Athletic Club winger and the Liverpool attacker are viable targets for Barcelona. However, Diaz is no longer a top target for the Blaugrana due to the Reds’ asking price of €80 million. So, Williams has become the top target for Barcelona, with the Basque outfit’s valuation of €62 million fitting the Catalan outfit’s budget.

The rise and rise of Nico Williams

Nico Williams has established himself as one of the best young attackers in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at Athletic Club. The Spaniard has come leaps and bounds in the last few years, becoming a mainstay in the final third for his club and country.

The 22-year-old was instrumental in helping Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024 title, but he was not as prolific in the 2024/25 season as he would have liked. Williams managed only 11 goals and seven assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. However, the Spanish international remains a sought-after player in the market, with Barcelona among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

Move across La Liga on the horizon?

Barcelona wanted to sign Nico Williams last summer before the deal failed to see the light of day. The continued interest is understandable, considering Ansu Fati faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club. So, several candidates, including Luis Diaz, have emerged on Barcelona’s radar.

However, Liverpool’s asking price of €80 million has left Barcelona in a spot of bother, and it compelled them to identify Nico Williams as the top alternative. While several Premier League bigwigs have been keen on signing the 22-year-old Spaniard, the reigning La Liga champions are best placed to secure his services.

Meanwhile, the Spanish international is keen on joining Barcelona. So, the deal should see the light of day if the Catalan giants cough up €62 million to sign him from Athletic Club in the summer transfer window.