Barcelona need to sign a new star left winger in the summer 2024 transfer window, because they cannot go into another season without a true goal-scoring option from that side of the formation.
Joao Felix has been the main starter on the left wing, but he is more of a central playmaker than a true winger. He can play out wide but only on the right as an inverted, left-footed playmaker.
When Felix is on the left, Barcelona do not have enough width, nor do they have a consistent enough goal-scoring presence to relieve pressure off an aging Robert Lewandowski.
There are a number of left wing options for Barcelona this summer, and two former Serie A MVPs, Rafael Leao and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, are the apparent dream options for the Blaugrana.
But both players will likely cause in excess of 100 million euros if they are even available at all. Kvaratskhelia, for example, seems almost certain to stay in Napoli, especially since the Partenopei are already preparing to sell Victor Osimhen.
The most realistic option on the left wing – who is good enough to start for Barcelona – is none other than current Athletic Club youngster Nico Williams.
Continuing off a strong 2022/23 breakout season, Williams has established himself as one of the best wingers in LaLiga and is ready for a big-money move to either the Premier League or LaLiga.
Barcelona would have to compete with Chelsea, Arsenal, and others in order to sign the 21-year-old, but they have an aura that most clubs cannot match.
Williams is working on a four-goal, eight-assist LaLiga campaign and is one of the best creative wingers in world football. He may not have the goal-scoring juice of a Leao or even a Kvaratskhelia yet, but that can come with time.
Barcelona need a top left winger who can help Lewandowski, take pressure off Lamine Yamal, and combine with the likes of Gavi and Pedri in midfield. At a price of less than 100 million euros and with a clear LaLiga track record, Williams is the best it gets.
The managing editor of The Trivela Effect, Kevin has 15 years of experience in digital media. He has been an editor for NFL Spin Zone, Daily DDT for pro wrestling, Autzen Zoo covering the Oregon Ducks, Musket Fire covering the New England Patriots, The Real Champs covering Real Madrid, Old Juve covering Juventus, Rush The Kop covering Liverpool, and Release The Knappen covering Schalke. His work has been featured in ESPN, Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, NBC Sports, and other outlets. You can contact him at the site’s official Twitter handle @TrivelaEffect or via the site’s official email thetrivelaeffect@gmail.com.