All of a sudden things are looking very bright indeed for Barcelona.
Lamine Yamal may not have had his best game in the final of Euro 2024, but still managed another assist – his fourth of the tournament – to none other than Barca’s top summer target, Nico Williams.The Athletic Club wide man made no mistake in the second minute of the second half in Berlin with a crisp low finish, and for supporters of the Catalan club, it hinted at what might be to come if Barca can get a deal for the 22-year-old over the line.Certainly, the burgeoning partnership will have done Barca’s chances of getting Williams no harm whatsoever, with the two players arguably amongst the best in the entire tournament.
Indeed, Yamal deserved the Young Player of the Tournament award thanks to his four assists and goal of the competition against France.
Williams might not have won any individual accolades, but he was one of Spain’s most dangerous players throughout the competition.
Though England managed to briefly get back into the Euro 2024 final thanks to a sublime Cole Palmer finish, it was the Spanish that remained on the front foot, due in no small part to the danger that they presented on both wings.
It says much that at 17 years and a day old, as he was for the final, Lamine Yamal was ostensibly considered to be the ‘one to watch.’
He will absolutely be targeted by La Liga defences next season and won’t get things all his own way, but if he’s able to continue in the same way as he has begun his career, Barcelona have a new superstar on their hands.
The signing of Williams takes away the need for the lion’s share of Barca’s chance creation to fall to Yamal down the right side too.
It would give the Catalans a genuine and credible threat down both flanks and also allow Robert Lewandowski to do what he does best and to stay central and gobble up the many chances that both players will create for him with ease.
In short, signing Williams is imperative, and does take precedence over the hunt for a decent pivot.
That’s still a position that needs to be addressed but can, just about, get by with the players they have already in situ.
Landing Nico Williams as a priority takes their attack up a level and will undoubtedly put the frighteners on the rest of La Liga and Europe.
The fact that both are so young mean that along with the likes of Gavi, Pedri and Fermin, they could form the core of their club and country’s squads for years to come.
A new golden generation? Time will tell, but you can’t fail to be excited about what’s ahead for Hansi Flick’s side in 2024/25.
