Newcastle United have already missed out on one winger target in Michael Olise, and now the Magpies are a step closer to missing out on another.
Eddie Howe is eager for the club to bring in a right winger this summer, with Newcastle United having a transfer budget of £100million to make that dream a reality. The Toon boss also wants a right-sided centre-back, but a winger has to be the priority.
The Magpies need someone who can compliment Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak in attack, and have identified multiple targets who could do exactly that. There was an approach for Michael Olise, but he opted to sign for Bayern Munich instead.
And there has also been interest in Nico Williams, but he too could be unattainable.
Barcelona president provides update on their Nico Williams stance
Geordie Boot Boys were recently told that Williams has his eye on a transfer to Barcelona, with the La Liga giants in pole position to secure his signature.
The Spain international’s financial demands are too much for Newcastle United, but not for Barca.
That is the view of their president Joan Laporta, who has told Catalunya Radio that Barcelona will be able to afford to sign Williams from Athletic Bilbao this summer.
“Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams,” he said.
“Nico’s a player I like – like him a lot. We are working with [Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave Deco to close the operations we are working on.
“Shortly we will be able to announce some good news with regard to the financial [issues] and we will be back within La Liga’s Fair Play limits. And that will allow further good news in terms of [signings].”
Euro 2024 has probably ruined Newcastle’s Nico Williams hopes anyway
Williams wants to sign for Barcelona, and it looks like they are ensuring they are in a position where they can do exactly that.
If or when a deal comes to fruition, he will be another winger who Newcastle can cross of their list of targets. That is a shame, as Williams would by my dream signing for the Magpies this summer. He is within Newcastle’s price range with a £47million release clause, although his wages would be an issue given the fact he is looking to earn more than £250,000-a-week.
However, the truth is that a deal is probably impossible, even if Newcastle were willing to meet his wage demands.
Given how well Williams has done at Euro 2024, he will be dreaming higher than a club that has completely missed out on European qualification. He has been one of the best players of the entire tournament, and that will be reflected in the club he joins.
While Newcastle are a team on the up, the Toon project is not quite as appealing this summer due to what happened in the 2023/24 campaign. There is no lure of Champions League football, for instance.
If we had that then perhaps it might be a different story, but right now it is going to take something truly special to tempt Williams to Tyneside.
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