Lamine Yamal (foto: Getty Images)
Lamine Yamal urges Barcelona's president to sign Nico Williams, hoping to strengthen the team for next season.
Lamine Yamal has demonstrated his exceptional talent with his performances for Barcelona. At just 16, he has become a key player for the Catalan team and the Spanish national team, which he represents brilliantly at the EURO in Germany.
The right-winger has helped Spain reach the quarterfinals, where they will face Germany on Friday, aiming for the semifinals. In his four appearances for La Furia Roja, Yamal has provided two assists, and much is expected from him in the tournament's final stages.
Yamal also has high hopes for a player he wants to see at Barcelona next season. He indirectly sent a message to the club president, Joan Laporta, hoping for a signing.
"He would be a spectacular addition for us at Barcelona. It would be incredible to sign him. I hope we can. He’s a player who has already shown what he is capable of. I would love for him to join us," Yamal said, referring to Nico Williams, his slightly older compatriot.
Nico, 21, plays on the left side of the attack and, along with Yamal, is one of Spain's most dangerous players. He is currently a member of Athletic Bilbao, but it seems likely he will leave San Mamés soon. Barcelona is keen on signing him, though there is also strong interest from several English clubs.
Nico's market value is estimated at around €60 million, with a release clause allowing him to leave for €58 million. Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly waiting for the chance to sign him.
Yamal hopes to team up with Nico Williams at Barcelona, hence his indirect message. However, the real question is whether Laporta is willing to meet the financial demands or let a brilliant player join a rival club.
Nico is currently the seventh most expensive left-winger in the world, behind only Vinicius Junior, Rafael Leao, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Luis Diaz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Jeremy Doku. His progress has been remarkable, and in his four seasons at San Mamés, he has become a true powerhouse at just 21.
"I am very happy at Athletic," Williams proudly stated when recently asked about his future. "It's the club that has given me everything, the one that bet on me 100%. It's my home. I'm very happy."
Despite this, he unintentionally admitted that his future might be away from San Mamés next season: "I don't know what will happen. I told my agent I don't want to know anything until after the European Championship."