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The Super Eagles star and African best has emerged as one of Barcelona’s top transfer targets this summer.
Barcelona’s summer transfer plans has taken a dramatic turn after Nico Williams signed an eight-year contract extension with Athletic Bilbao.
The 22‑year‑old winger, courted for two consecutive windows by sporting director Deco, cited “heart over head” in opting to stay in Bilbao, while the Lions promptly hiked his release clause beyond reach.
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“When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I’m where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!” Williams said in a statement via the club’s website.
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For the Catalans this is more than a sentimental snub; it is a tactical headache.
Hansi Flick’s squad still lacks a natural left‑sider who can stretch games and protect rising star Lamine Yamal from overload.
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10:18 - 04.07.2025
Boost for Rashford, Lookman, as Barcelona miss out on first-choice target
Despite reaching agreement on verbal terms with Barcelona, Nico Williams has signed a contract extemsion with Athletic Club.
Barcelona's options following Nico Williams snub
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Marcus Rashford is one player that Barcelona like, and another is Ademola Lookman.
The Nigeria international could leave Atalanta this summer, and according to 3cat, Barca have him on their list.
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While Rashford’s hefty wages could potentially rule him out from a switch to the Catalan giants and Liverpool unmoved on Luis Díaz, Barça’s recruitment radar has swung decisively towards Super Eagles and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.
Why Lookman ticks Deco’s boxes
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Lookman is bang in his prime at 27 and enjoying the form of his life at Atalanta.
He followed last season’s Europa League final hat‑trick with a 20‑goal haul across all competitions this term (15 in Serie A, five in the Champions League) and is running at 0.64 goal involvements per 90 minutes.
Barça would relish three things about the reigning African player of the year.
First, his two‑footedness: although nominally a left winger, he drifts inside to operate as a second striker, mirroring the way Raphinha inverts from the opposite flank.
Second, his pressing metrics under Gian Piero Gasperini fit Flick’s demand for forward aggression.
And third, he is obtainable.
Ademola Lookman to Barcelona: The numbers game
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Atalanta are pragmatic sellers but not push‑overs.
Last November, Il Corriere dello Sport set the asking price at €50 million, a figure that has since crept towards €60 million as Atlético Madrid, Arsenal and PSG circle.
Lookman’s contract in Bergamo runs only until 2026, with an option for another year.
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That keeps depreciation on the books low enough for Barça to structure a deal in staggered payments—precisely what they tried to do, and ultimately failed, with Williams.
Deco’s preference is to wrap up wide‑player business before the US tour kicks off on 24 July.
The sporting department believe a bid in the €45–50 million region, front‑loaded with achievable add‑ons, will test Atalanta’s resolve.
Premier League interest is real but not yet concrete, and Atlético’s focus could shift if Ángel Correa’s proposed exit collapses.
In the meantime, Lookman’s camp are playing a patient hand.
The Nigerian international will link up with Eric Chelle’s squad for AFCON 2025 opening qualifying group match in August, and a swift resolution would allow him to arrive in Barcelona match‑fit and commercially attractive ahead of the La Liga kick‑off later that same month.
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