Barcelona fear 22-year-old transfer target could distract Lamine Yamal if he joins club: Reports

Barcelona are wary that their transfer target Nico Williams could be a distraction for their academy graduate Lamine Yamal if the former joined the club, according to RadioCAT. Williams was said to be a top target for Barcelona this summer, but a deal didn’t materialize as the winger chose to stay put at Athletic Bilbao.

Lamine Yamal has arguably been the creative force for La Blaugrana this season, currently sitting atop the assist charts in LaLiga with seven. The La Masia graduate has picked up from the highs of EURO 2024 and has played a pivotal role in Barcelona's stellar outings this term.

However, Barcelona’s result against Real Sociedad in Yamal’s absence is a timely reminder that the Catalan club lack depth up front. The 17-year-old winger had suffered a knock in their clash against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League prior. His absence was greatly felt as the Barca succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Sociedad.

To that end, La Blaugrana have continued their search for a winger, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao on the club’s list, as per the aforementioned report. The LaLiga leaders still have their eyes on their summer target, Nico Williams. But they have spotted a drawback in the pursuit of the Athletic Bilbao player.

Some people within the club fear that his arrival could pose a distraction to Lamine Yamal. The duo were instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, forming a formidable combination upfront.

Barca see Yamal as the face of their future project and are therefore keen to protect him. In the ongoing season, Yamal has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 16 appearances across competitions.

Barcelona sweating over Lamine Yamal injury setback – Reports

Lamine Yamal may reportedly spend more time on the sidelines. Barcelona are said to be pessimistic about the chances of the player returning for Saturday’s LaLiga clash with Celta Vigo.

The 17-year-old winger picked up a knock in his side’s Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade in October. He was spotted in the stands in the Blaugrana's 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad.

Yamal was initially expected to miss just a few days and return to full fitness on Thursday, November 21. However, another report has now emerged on the attacker's fitness concerns.

According to Diario AS, Lamine Yamal’s availability for Saturday’s game is practically ruled out. A source close to the club told the Spanish publication:

"It will be difficult for him [Yamal] to arrive on Saturday."

The player is reportedly still feeling pain in his ankle.