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Former Barcelona forward Hristo Stoichkov has claimed that he had previously advised the club to sign winger Nico Williams. He went on to heap praise on the Athletic Bilbao winger, speaking about his versatility and his potential impact at Barca.
The Blaugrana have been heavily linked with a move for Williams this summer. He has a release clause worth €58 million in his contract with Athletic Club. Amidst these links, Hristo Stoichkov has said that he had asked the club hierarchy to sign the Spaniard but they didn't buy him. He said (via Barca News Network):
“We need to buy him now. I already told you that I recommended to the people at Barcelona that they buy him. They didn’t, and now they want him. Laporta and Deco shouldn’t doubt that he’s a player for Barcelona.
“Not only can he play as a winger, but also on the other wing, as a central forward, or a false ‘9’. He can make a big difference at Barça.”
Williams, 21, has been impressive for club and country in the last year. He helped Athletic Club win the Copa del Rey, registering three goals and five assists in six games. Overall, he scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 games across competitions.
Williams then starred for Spain in their Euro 2024 triumph, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He scored in their 2-1 win in the final against England and was named the Player of the Match as well.
Hristo Stoichkov is optimistic about Barcelona competing with Real Madrid
The Blaugrana finished the 2023-24 season without a trophy. Real Madrid hammered them 4-1 in the Supercopa de Espana courtesy of a Vinicius Jr. hat-trick. Los Blancos also won the La Liga, finishing 10 points above Barcelona. They also won the UEFA Champions League, where Barca were eliminated in the quarter-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid have now added Kylian Mbappe to their side as well. Barcelona, meanwhile, have struggled financially in recent times. Stoichkov, however, is optimistic about his former side's chances of competing with their arch-rivals. He said (via Barca News Network):
“I am always optimistic. The worse things get, the more optimistic we have to be. Now, with a new stadium, we need to build a competitive team. I believe Laporta and Deco know which players they will sign. With the new coach, we will see a team with more discipline and order, step by step.
“We have young players of great quality: Cubarsí, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Balde… all young, and if Nico Williams comes, he would be another great addition. There’s no need to rush to win the Champions League tomorrow. If a couple of signings are made, I think the team can compete at a very high level.”
Barcelona sacked Xavi Hernandez as manager at the end of the last season and have appointed Hansi Flick.
