Newcastle United are not going to have any luck in their pursuit of Nico Williams, but it could inadvertently lead them to another La Liga star.
The Magpies are long term admirers of Nico Williams, with the club almost signing him before they did a deal for Anthony Gordon last year.
The Spain international has continued to be linked with a move to Newcastle United, and he has felt like a great option to join Alexander Isak and Gordon in attack at St James’ Park.
However, a move to the North East, or any English club for that matter, suddenly looks unlikely for the Athletic Bilbao superstar.
Why Nico Williams to Newcastle United ‘is unlikely ‘doesn’t look likely’
That is according to TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about what the future holds for Nico Williams.
“He’s [Williams] on more money at Bilbao than any Newcastle player is on right now,” he said.
“It’s probably been done knowing he won’t see out the entirety of his contract.
“The Premier League clubs being linked, including Newcastle, have been made aware of his demands. Does that mean he’s more likely to go to Barcelona? I think a lot of the English teams think that.
“It doesn’t look likely for Newcastle United or any English club at the moment.”
Williams is on a lot of money at Athletic Bilbao. He earns £200,000-a-week, which is more than Newcastle’s highest earner Bruno Guimaraes, who is on £160,000-a-week.
Unsurprisingly, Williams wants to be paid even more than what he is already on, which is why a transfer to Newcastle United is not on the cards right now.
Raphinha could be available to Newcastle United again
Instead, Barcelona are the favourites to land Williams. However, Bailey believes that possible deal could open the door for Newcastle to reignite their interest in Barca winger Raphinha.
“If Williams does go to Barcelona, it brings up the Raphinha situation,” he added.
“He has been offered around so keep an eye on him. Newcastle like him. He’s 27-years-old which is a great age, and a proven Premier League performer. He’s a fascinating option for Newcastle and a few others.
“He’s a saleable asset and they [Barcelona] are ready to finance Williams by using him.”
He is a player who Newcastle manager Eddie Howe likes
Raphinha is a player who has been linked with Newcastle United a lot in recent years.
He emerged as a Toon target shortly after Eddie Howe arrived, with the Magpies making an offer for the winger when he was still at Leeds United. That bid was rejected, but Newcastle’s interest did not end.
They continued to target him during the summer of 2022, with Raphinha described as Eddie Howe’s dream signing. But that dream did not become a reality, with the Brazilian joining Barcelona instead for £55million.
Throughout his time in Spain, Raphinha has been linked with a move away, with Newcastle often named as potential suitors. The rumours have always felt wide of the mark, with talk of a big money bid last summer played down by journalist Luke Edwards.
But with Raphinha possibly available this summer and Newcastle needing a right winger, the 27-year-old certainly is a fascinating option for Howe and co to consider.
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