Aston Villa Transfer News: Barcelona Eye Selling Former Villain to Fund Summer Signings
In the latest transfer developments, Aston Villa’s transfer target, Nico Williams, is expected to remain at Athletic Bilbao despite significant interest from Barcelona.
According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, Barcelona officials consider the deal ‘practically dead’ due to the pressure from Williams’ family and his club.
Barcelona had earmarked Williams as their top target this summer, with his €58 million release clause deemed affordable.
However, other factors have hindered the move. Barcelona’s inability to guarantee Williams’ immediate registration with La Liga, coupled with the league’s spending limits, have complicated the potential transfer.
ESPN reports that while those close to PSG believe Williams desires a move to Barcelona, the club’s ongoing financial issues have cast doubt on the transfer. PSG, on the hunt for a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer, also showed interest in Williams, but the deal remains elusive.
With the Williams move stalling, Barcelona has shifted focus to their ‘Plan B’, Dani Olmo. The versatile midfielder, previously linked with Premier League champions Manchester City, is now reportedly eager to join Barcelona.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Olmo is ‘more than keen’ on the move, with talks between Barcelona and Leipzig progressing.
To fund Olmo’s transfer, Barcelona is considering selling Clement Lenglet, a player familiar to Aston Villa fans. Lenglet spent last season on loan at Villa Park, making 25 appearances and starting 24 games. Despite his regular presence in Unai Emery’s squad, Villa opted not to pursue a permanent deal for the 29-year-old defender.
Now, Barcelona is looking to offload Lenglet to raise funds. According to Santi Aouna, Atletico Madrid is interested in the French defender, with Lenglet keen on a move to the Metropolitano Stadium. Additionally, Real Sociedad has shown interest, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. Despite impressing new Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, Lenglet’s departure seems likely.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Aston Villa continues to monitor the market for potential signings. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s financial constraints and strategic decisions highlight the complexities of navigating high-profile transfers in today’s football landscape.
