Hansi Flick Devises Master Plan for Barcelona Following Nico Williams Rejection
Following Nico Williams's surprising rejection, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is reportedly set to rely on the club's renowned La Masia academy system, according to Spanish media sources.
The Spanish winger was believed to be close to completing a move to Barcelona this month. Williams had allegedly reached an agreement on personal terms with the Catalan club, who were ready to trigger his full release clause at Athletic Club. However, in a stunning turn of events that surprised many in Catalonia, Williams signed a new decade-long deal in Bilbao on July 4.
This unexpected reversal was reportedly due to Barcelona's refusal to include a provision in Williams's contract that would have permitted his immediate free release if registration issues arose. The current La Liga title holders declined this demand, effectively ending any possibility of a transfer.
With Williams no longer available and Barcelona's preseason matches approaching rapidly, Flick is anticipated to utilize La Masia's finest prospects, according to SPORT, with Jan Virgili and Dani Rodríguez both expected to play prominent roles this summer.
Virgili, an 18-year-old attacker who can operate on both wings, has yet to earn his first-team debut or even secure a place on the matchday squad for a top-division game. This situation might change soon following Williams's rejection and the exit of striker Ansu Fati.
Although his senior football experience remains limited, Virgili delivered an impressive performance at this summer's Under-19 European Championships, entering as a substitute to score the equalizer and assist the winning goal in Spain's thrilling 6–5 semifinal triumph over Germany.
Rodríguez has already earned his La Liga debut, featuring in the starting lineup against Real Valladolid in May. Unfortunately, that memorable occasion turned sour when the young striker suffered a first-half shoulder injury that forced his substitution. Rodríguez was unable to participate in the U19 Euros due to the same problem but is expected to return to action in August.
Flick has consistently demonstrated this philosophy of promoting young talent throughout the 2024–25 campaign. "I appreciate what I observe from La Masia graduates. Whenever we require them, we bring them into the squad," the German manager expressed enthusiastically last summer. "La Masia continues to amaze me."
Despite his admiration for the youth development program, Flick is still anticipated to welcome a new experienced forward this summer. There has been considerable discussion regarding Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, while a potential move for Liverpool's Luis Díaz might exceed Barcelona's financial capabilities.