Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams has sparked speculation about his future, prompting a firm response from Athletic Club.
Williams has emerged as a standout performer at Euro 2024 alongside his Spain teammate Lamine Yamal, attracting interest from several clubs, with Barcelona leading the pack.
Despite repeatedly stating his commitment to the Athletic Club until summer 2027, Williams has faced numerous inquiries from the media regarding his plans.
In response to the persistent queries, Athletic Club’s president Jon Uriarte has issued a statement addressing the intense scrutiny surrounding Williams’ future.
The statement from Uriarte was released on Athletic’s social media. It read: “Nico, a footballer very committed to the Athletic Club, has been subjected to a bombardment of questions about his future in an excessive and uncontrolled way when he is concentrating on competing in the Eurocopa for the Spanish Football Federation, which he has not been able to protect.
“Respect between all the characters that make up football is a fundamental basis, or so we conceive it from the Athletic Club, which does not have the formula to submit to public pressure players with contracts in other clubs to try to incorporate them.
“Athletic aspires to the maximum, without limits. We are demonstrating that we have an attractive and winning project for our football players and trainers. The proof is that we have recently renewed two of our internationals, Simón (2029) and Vivian (2031).
Nico signed last year until 2027, and he also committed himself there during several seasons to coveted players like Sancet, Prados, Julen Agirrezabala, and Paredes, to give some examples.
“The Athletic Club is capable economically, socially and sportingly of maintaining in its structure footballers of the size of those named, including Nico Williams.”
Barcelona has identified a left-winger and a midfielder as their top targets for this summer transfer window. President Joan Laporta has already publicly acknowledged their interest in Nico Williams, signalling him as a likely addition for Hansi Flick’s inaugural season at the club.
Laporta emphasised that Barcelona has streamlined its financial framework to facilitate Williams’ potential signing this summer.
However, Williams’ immediate focus remains on preparing for Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England at the Olympastadion in Berlin on Sunday, July 14. The 21-year-old winger will only contemplate his club’s future after this crucial match.