Zenit Saint Petersburg of the Russian Premier League has raised eyebrows by sending money to FC Barcelona to help them recruit Nico Williams.
Athletic Bilbao winger Williams has accepted personal terms with Barcelona and is poised to sign a six-year contract with the La Liga winners. The 22-year-old dribbler is regarded as one of the best in the world, and Arsenal and Bayern Munich have expressed interest.
According to BBC Sport’s Guillem Balague, Luis Diaz appeared to be Barcelona’s top summer transfer target, but the Catalan giants were ultimately put off by Liverpool’s £80 million valuation of the Colombia international. Balague adds that there are still obstacles to overcome for Williams to complete his dream move to Camp Nou.
This is because Barcelona is still subject to stringent financial limits, with the ‘1:1’ rule dictating that they can only spend as much as their income and finances allow, as established by La Liga. However, if Barcelona completes the Williams trade, they will have one of Europe’s strongest starting lineups heading into the 2025-26 season.
Williams will be Barcelona’s first-choice left-winger, with Raphinha moving into a more central role behind Robert Lewandowski. Then there’s 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, probably the best player in world football and the current second favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Zenit Explain Why They Gave Barcelona Money
Reason for unexpected donation towards Nico Williams purchase emerges
While Barcelona would undoubtedly welcome any financial aid in signing Williams, why would Zenit make a surprise donation? This is the question football fans have been wondering after the previous Champions League club contributed some money via TikTok with the caption “For Nico Williams from Zenit.”
On X (previously Twitter), Zenit’s official English-speaking account clarified the situation, tweeting: “You gave us Malcom, so happy to help!” See the tweet below.
Barcelona signed Brazil international Malcom from Bordeaux in 2018, but sold him to Zenit a year later, recouping the initial €40 million fee. The South American spent the next four seasons with the Russian team, scoring 42 goals in 109 games while winning four league titles, the Russian Cup, and four Russian Super Cups.
Zenit sold Malcom to Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal in 2023 for up to €60 million, depending on add-ons. While he is no longer a player for Zenit, it is evident that they have not forgotten his contributions, and it appears they are still grateful to both the Brazilian and Barcelona.
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