This is a new twist in a case that is starting to inflame Spain. For several weeks, FC Barcelona has made Nico Williams its priority to strengthen its attack. The Spanish international, already followed by the Catalan club last summer, is highly regarded by Hansi Flick and especially Deco, Barça's sporting director. And indeed, the Portuguese manager had caused controversy in recent days by publicly declaring that Nico Williams had only one desire: to sign for Barcelona. "Players like Nico, and others, are showing today that they want to come. If the circumstances are right, we will try him. In his case, he has a clause. We met with his agent to find out what the player wants and from there, we will see if it is possible ," he said.
A statement that Bilbao did not appreciate at all, believing that Barça had no business publicly pressuring to resolve a long-standing issue. In this regard, the Spanish press even explained that a delegation from Bilbao would travel to Madrid to discuss with La Liga representatives and discuss Barça's financial situation. The goal? To prove that Barça clearly does not have the financial means to meet Bilbao's demands - the player's €60 million release clause - regarding the transfer of Nico Williams. This information did not please Laporta at all, who responded in the Catalan press: "I say this with respect, but everyone should mind their own business. I don't understand why Athletic would go to La Liga to talk about Barça. I don't think they should do that, but hey, they can do what they want."
Bilbao doesn't give up
This Thursday, Bilbao issued a statement regarding this famous meeting with La Liga and did not fail to castigate Barça. "The club appreciates the willingness and clarity of La Liga, which defends the interests of all clubs. Within the framework of Financial Fair Play, FC Barcelona's ability to sign players was notably discussed. Athletic Club would like to thank La Liga de Fútbol Profesional for the availability and clarity it demonstrated during the meeting held yesterday between the two entities, which was attended by the presidents of both organizations, Javier Tebas and Jon Uriarte. The meeting was held in Madrid in response to a request from Athletic Club made within the framework of Financial Fair Play. Among the topics discussed was FC Barcelona's ability to sign players, given Athletic Club's legitimate interest in accessing relevant information, after FC Barcelona sporting director Anderson Luis de Souza "Deco" publicly acknowledged that the club would attempt to sign a player from our first team. This player is under contract with Athletic Club until June 30, 2027. Minding one's own business means ensuring compliance with the rules of the competition ," the statement initially explained.
"Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco's' statements add to the public statements made by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta himself, admitting that the Blaugrana club is 'working to be within the 1:1 rule' and that, therefore, it is not currently within the parameters of said rule for the registration of players. We appreciate the full availability and clarity of LaLiga's qualified response and we affirm that Athletic Club will defend its interests to the fullest extent possible, in accordance with the Financial Fair Play standards approved by each of the professional clubs that make up LaLiga." Statements that confirm the very tense context surrounding this deal. FC Barcelona will have to fight to succeed in signing Nico Williams.
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