Barcelona sporting director, Deco, cited flexibility as the reason for the club’s decision to recruit midfielder Dani Olmo rather than winger Nico Williams.

Olmo returned to Barca in August in a deal worth up to €60 million, leaving RB Leipzig after a phenomenal Euro 2024 campaign with Spain.

Apart from Olmo, Barcelona also want to bring in Athletic Bilbao player Williams, whose contract contains a release clause worth 58 million euros.

According to 90min, during the summer Barcelona’s ideal plan was to acquire Williams first and then make a move for Olmo. However, negotiations broke down with the former and they then opted to sign Olmo.

Read the full news below.

Wings are in abundance

In one occasion, Deco discussed why the club did not pursue Nico Williams, despite having announced their interest in the Athletic Bilbao winger.

“We didn’t sign Nico Williams because we have Raphinha, Ferran , Ansu , Lamine , plus Fermin and Olmo to help there ,” explained Deco.

Reasons to Recruit Olmo

Deco claims that Olmo’s ability to play both centrally and out wide makes him a top priority as the team ultimately lacks a player like that.

“We have signed Dani Olmo because he is the midfielder we lacked,” added Deco.

“There are a lot of quality players, but Dani is the player we lacked. Dani gives us the hunger to win.

“But in the end, signing Dani Olmo gives you more options. It’s not that we don’t talk to clubs and players, but in the end we have a clear priority not to sign another winger.”

Maintain Important Pillars

Deco also highlighted the club’s efforts to retain key players, despite several offers coming in during the transfer window.

“We want to keep Raphinha and also the other players,” he said.

“There have been some offers, but we don’t want to lose an important player. We have to raise the level, not lower it. We can’t fall into the temptation of selling him.”

Summer:  Sports World

Author:  Seo911