La Liga rivals condemn Barcelona’s transfer approach towards 21-year-old target

Much of Spain’s success in the UEFA Euro 2024 can be attributed to the dynamic wing pairing of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

Nico’s strides in the ongoing tournament have not gone unnoticed by Barcelona and other European heavyweights, leading to immense speculation about an exit this summer.

Given that Barcelona president Joan Laporta added fuel to the fire with his statements about the club having the required financial strength to sign Nico Williams, the rumours have intensified.

Athletic Club calls out Barcelona over Nico Williams transfer pressure

Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte addressed the Nico Williams situation in a recent presentation, emphasizing respect for recent events surrounding the 21-year-old winger.

Uriarte complained that Nico faced excessive and uncontrolled questioning about his future, while arguing that the Spanish Federation did not adequately protect the 21-year-old during this time at the competition.

“Nico, a footballer who is very committed to Athletic, has been subjected to a bombardment of questions about his future in an excessive and uncontrolled manner when he was concentrated to play in the Euros by the Spanish Football Federation, which, in our opinion, has not known how to protect him,” he lamented via Mundo Deportivo.

Calling out Barcelona as well, the Athletic Club president indirectly referred to Laporta’s recent comments about having the financial capability to sign Nico Williams.

Uriarte emphasised that Athletic Club values respect among players and does not condone pressuring contracted players from other clubs into joining them.

“Respect between all the stakeholders that make up football is a fundamental basis, that’s how we conceive it at least at Athletic, and do not have the formula of putting public pressure on players with contracts at other clubs to try to incorporate them into our structure,” Uriarte urged.

Barcelona have prioritized signing Nico Williams

While it is true that the substantial noise surrounding Nico has not sat well with the Athletic Club hierarchy, Barça fancy their chances of landing the young star.

This is largely because of his €58 million release clause and the player’s own inclination toward Barcelona.

Time will tell if the Catalans can seal the deal, but they must act promptly to ensure a smoother relationship with Athletic Club and overcome any competition.