Sports Mole looks at three members of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad who could join Barcelona this summer.
Barcelona are yet to make a first-team signing this summer, but the Catalan outfit are set to be active over the next few weeks, with the club looking to boost their squad for the coming season.
Amid their financial issues, Hansi Flick‘s side are planning major moves, with the club determined not to be left behind by Real Madrid, who have brought in Kylian Mbappe and Endrick his summer.
Here, Sports Mole looks at three players who the Catalan giants could potentially sign from Spain‘s Euro 2024-winning squad, including their leading target.
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A move for Williams is expected to be confirmed in the near future, with Barcelona comfortably the favourites for the 22-year-old despite interest from the Premier League.
Williams scored twice and registered one assist in six appearances for Spain at Euro 2024 and came up with a brilliant goal in the final of the competition against England.
The forward scored eight goals and registered 19 assists in 37 appearances for Athletic last season, and he has a €58m (£48m) release clause in his current deal at San Mames.
Williams would be a statement signing for Barcelona, as he is currently regarded as one of the best wingers in world football, with his performances over the last 12 months making a serious impression.
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Olmo was also excellent for Spain at Euro 2024, scoring three goals and registering two assists in six appearances at the competition, and he is also set to earn a big move this summer.
A €60m (£50.6m) release clause in his current deal has now expired, but it is understood that he will be allowed to leave Leipzig for a similar price this summer.
Manchester City are believed to lead the Premier League interest in a player who has scored 29 goals and registered 34 assists in 148 appearances for Leipzig in all competitions.
A return to Barcelona is also viewed as a serious possibility for the club’s former youth player.
However, the Catalan outfit’s opening offer for Olmo has allegedly been quickly rejected, as it involved a €40m (£34m) fee being paid in €10m (£8.5m) instalments over the next four January windows, in addition to further potential bonus payments.
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Merino’s future is also the subject of much speculation, with Real Sociedad facing a difficult task when it comes to keeping hold of the midfielder during the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old has a €60m (£50.6m) release clause in his contract, but the Spaniard has entered the final 12 months of his deal, so his Basque side are not in a strong position.
Merino was also vital for Spain at Euro 2024, featuring in each of his team’s seven games at the competition, and he netted a late winner against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Barcelona head coach Flick has allegedly identified Merino, who scored eight goals and registered five assists in 45 outings at club level last term, as his leading midfield target.
However, Arsenal are also being linked with his services, and a recent report claimed that the Gunners are lining up an opening offer for the former Newcastle United midfielder.