Craig Burley was quizzed about whether Barcelona should sign Nico Williams or a certain Manchester City player.
Williams, who scored the opener in Spain’s 2-1 win against England in the Euro 2024 final is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football.
The 22-year-old was one of the best players at the European Championship and he was deservedly named in the Team of the Tournament as well.
Considering how devastating Williams was alongside Lamine Yamal as a wing pairing, the duo could wreak havoc if the former left Athletic Bilbao to work with Hansi Flick this summer.
However, another forward who Barcelona believe fits their plans perfectly is Julian Alvarez — despite being a striker in contrast to the Bilbao speedster, who can play on both flanks.
- Who is Julian Alvarez? The story of the striker who won it all at Man City before joining Atletico Madrid
Craig Burley reveals whether Julian Alvarez or Nico Williams would be a better signing for Barcelona
Craig Burley stated that Alvarez would a top-quality signing for Hansi Flick’s side.
Previously, Pedri has also stated that the Manchester City striker is a “very good player.”
On Wednesday, it was claimed that City informed the Argentine that they do not intend to sell him this summer. However, the report stated that while the World Cup winner is open to staying, he desires more game time next season — despite starting 31 Premier League games in the previous campaign.
However, if Barcelona had the choice of signing either Williams or Alvarez, Craig Burley feels they should opt for the former.
The pundit said via ESPN FC: “Nico Williams, at the moment, because he’s younger, although [Julian] Alvarez is still young, he’s younger.”
“It’s a difficult one because Alvarez is a good player. He’s done a good job for Man City but if you’re building a side, you’ve got [Lamine] Yamal on one side and Nico Williams on the other and then you can sort of build from there around it.”
Julian Alvarez could have a huge decision on his hands
If a club like Barcelona ramp up their interest in signing Alvarez, whether he should opt for a move or stay at the Etihad Stadium is a question that could plague him in the future.
Last month, it was claimed that the Copa America winner has been open to leaving City for months — with his sights set on playing more regular football.
But simultaneously, the £14 million man must be aware that whether it is Barcelona or any suitor in question, apart from Real Madrid, they lack a manager of Pep Guardiola’s calibre and a club built to win season after season.
Furthermore, the former River Plate striker was given plenty of opportunities to start last season — with only two outfield players in the squad in Rodri (2,931) and Phil Foden (2,857) playing more minutes than him (2,647) in the Premier League — as per FbRef.
As a result, Alvarez should be advised to think carefully about his future if another club comes calling to prise him away from Manchester City.
