Barcelona set to face Real Madrid competition in the race to sign top attacking target | OneFootball

Barcelona were heavily linked with a move for Nico Williams this past summer, following the forward’s impressive Euro 2024 campaign.

Although a transfer to Catalonia never materialized, the Blaugrana continue to monitor the talented winger, who remains one of the most sought-after young prospects in Spanish football.

Despite Barça’s sustained interest, though, the task of signing Nico remains as daunting as before. In fact, the challenge is set to get tougher, as Barça are set to face competition from their eternal rivals.

Real Madrid interested in Nico move

As per Paco Gonzalez on COPE (h/t Fichajes), the summer of 2025 could witness a showdown between two of the biggest clubs in Spain, in the race to sign Nico Williams.

That is because Real Madrid, too, have now entered the race to sign the Athletic Club forward, who is likely to leave the club at the end of the season.

Will Nico join Barcelona next summer? (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Although Nico indicated that he is happy at his current club in the summer, many expect him to make the jump to a bigger club in 2025.

Real Madrid, to that end, have emerged as a potential suitor, just like Barcelona and countless other top clubs across Europe.

Key advantages for Barcelona

Although Real Madrid’s interest could complicate matters for Nico, Barcelona certainly hold the upper hand in this chase.

The club have built an extensive network to sign Nico throughout the summer. That could come in handy next year. But more importantly, Real Madrid are only expected to approach Nico if they sanction the sale of top players such as Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.

Needless to say, Real Madrid won’t be considering selling these two attackers anytime soon, especially with Vinicius in contention to win the Ballon d’Or next week.

Nico, for his part, has indicated that he prefers Barcelona’s style of play in the past. A move to Catalonia, therefore, should be a no-brainer for the attacker, should he get forced into making a decision.