Barcelona manager Hansi Flick prefers alternative to Joan Laporta option to strengthen attack

Barcelona look to have made Nico Williams their top target this summer, after his impressive form at Euro 2024, but manager Hansi Flick reportedly prefers one of his teammates.

It appears Barcelona will put all they have into signing Williams this summer, which means agreeing a deal with him and activating his €58m release clause at Athletic Club. Part of the the reasonis that they feel he will reignite the excitement amongst the fanbase. Sport are reporting that the sporting department, which includes Sporting Director Deco and manager Flick, would rather sign Dani Olmo.

The RB Leipzig star also has a €60m release clause, which expires on Saturday, but depending on what happens with Williams, they hope they would be able to negotiate with Leipzig. They also note that Manchester City, despite denials, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester United are all considering him as an option this summer. Flick and Deco would prefer Olmo as they feel he is more versatile and more experienced in an already young squad. Given the choice, Olmo would rather return to Barcelona.

Certainly Olmo’s performances for Spain went a little under the radar due to the explosion of Williams and Lamine Yamal, but ultimately, Laporta’s word is law at Barcelona. The 26-year-old looks set to join one of Europe’s elite imminently given his performances, at which point it will be difficult for Barcelona to bring him in, but there will only be so long he can wait for them.