This Friday, Joan Laporta made headlines. He was seen reconciling with Ronald Koeman, with whom his relationship had been strained since the end of their collaboration at Barça. Then, the president of the Blaugrana club, who is present at a golf tournament organized during the Koeman Cup, spoke to the media to discuss the latest news from his club. And he couldn't dodge questions about Athletic Bilbao and Nico Williams . Regarding the Basque club, he was asked to respond after the scathing statement published earlier this week.
Bilbao tackled
"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 particularly discussed. Athletic Club would like to thank LaLiga de Fútbol Profesional for its willingness and clarity during yesterday's meeting between the two bodies, 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."
It was then clarified: "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."
Laporta responds to the Spanish club
In the rest of the statement, Bilbao also accused Joan Laporta, who has also spoken publicly about the Culés' desire to sign the Spanish international. Attacked head-on, the Barça boss took advantage of the microphones to respond. "Everyone has to do what they have to do. We do what Barça has to do to take advantage of market opportunities and, of course, we follow the instructions of our sporting director and our coach. On that point, I have nothing to add. As for Athletic Club, let them do what they have to do. I respect what they do, just as I hope they will respect what we do."
He added: "That's their job (at La Liga, editor's note). What I have to say is that what Barça does concerns them, and La Liga is aware that club accounts are subject to significant confidentiality. And I understand that each club, according to its possibilities, will act, and we respect all the requirements of La Liga and FairPlay in order to take advantage of market opportunities (...) I don't want to talk about persecution. Difficulties arise, obstacles are placed in our path, and we are effectively learning to compete on obstacle courses."
Barça discusses the Williams case
Laporta said: "It's about working hard to overcome obstacles and achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. Since we have nothing to hide, being audited is no problem for us. We want everyone to be treated equally and, therefore, we don't feel wronged or persecuted. We are doing the right thing. We have nothing to hide, and that's what we're going to try to do: seize the opportunities in the market ." Among the opportunities to be seized, therefore, is Nico Williams.
A player who has been popular with the club for a year. Regarding the possibility of paying his release clause, he clarified: "I'm not going to talk about players, I'm talking about market opportunities, which are numerous, and in that sense, we are there. We are ready to take advantage of a release clause if a market opportunity requires paying it, and Barça is ready to do what is necessary if we decide to seize this opportunity." Bilbao has been warned, Joan Laporta and FC Barcelona are ready to do anything to achieve their goals.
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