Zenit Saint Petersburg have raised a few eyebrows after making a surprise financial contribution to Barcelona to help them sign Nico Williams.
The 22-year-old Athletic Bilbao winger has already agreed personal terms with the Catalan club and looks set to sign a six-year contract with the reigning La Liga champions. Williams is regarded as one of the most exciting dribblers in world football, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich also showing strong interest.
Barcelona had initially hoped to make Luis DĂaz their headline summer signing, but BBC Sport’s Guillem BalaguĂ© reports they were put off by Liverpool’s ÂŁ80 million price tag. BalaguĂ© also noted that although Williams is keen on the move, several hurdles remain before the deal can be finalized.
A key issue is Barcelona’s precarious financial situation. Under La Liga’s “1:1” spending regulation, the club can only spend as much as they generate — a significant limitation as they try to bolster their squad.
If the transfer is completed, Williams would immediately take over as the club’s first-choice left winger. Raphinha would then shift into a more central role just behind Robert Lewandowski. Meanwhile, teenage star Lamine Yamal, who at 17 is already being talked up as one of the top players in the game and a serious contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, would continue on the right.
Securing Williams would give Barcelona one of Europe’s most dangerous frontlines as they look ahead to the 2025–26 season.
While Barcelona would gladly accept financial help to seal the Williams deal, Zenit’s unexpected gesture left fans wondering why the Russian club decided to chip in. Supporters were especially puzzled after Zenit sent money via TikTok with the message, “For Nico Williams from Zenit.”
The link between the two clubs goes back to 2018, when Barça signed Brazilian winger Malcom from Bordeaux, only to sell him to Zenit the following year — recovering the full €40 million they’d spent. Malcom went on to spend four successful seasons in Russia, scoring 42 goals in 109 appearances, lifting four Russian Premier League titles along with the Russian Cup and four Super Cups before eventually moving on.
