FC Barcelona wants to sign Nico Williams for its offensive wing this summer. However, his home club Athletic Bilbao has now publicly attacked the Catalans—and has already met with La Liga.
A quick solution in the Nico Williams case is unlikely. After there had been talk of an agreement between FC Barcelona and the player’s side, one between the clubs is obviously still a long way off.
Instead, Bilbao has now publicly attacked the other side. In a long statement on the club’s website, it says that Athletic is “taking care of its own affairs” and has therefore initiated a meeting with La Liga.
According to the statement, a meeting took place on Wednesday in the Spanish capital Madrid, attended by club representatives including boss Jon Uriarte and La Liga president Javier Tebas.
“The club is grateful for the willingness and clarity of the committee, which represents the interests of all clubs. Among other things, the possibility of FC Barcelona signing players was discussed within the framework of Financial Fair Play,” Bilbao writes. Specifically, of course, it is about Nico Williams.
Access to “relevant information” demanded
The Basques insisted on compliance with financial fair play. This is a circumstance that Tebas, who had doubts about the European champion’s transfer, had recently made clear in public.
Bilbao writes of a “legitimate interest in accessing relevant information,” as Barcelona’s sporting director Deco had already publicly stated that he wanted to sign Nico Williams this summer. The 22-year-old is likely to leave Bilbao via an exit clause, with a fee of €64 million including taxes being quoted.
But does Barcelona really have the financial means to complete the transfer and, above all, pay the salary, considering the overall squad for the coming season? Bilbao currently has serious doubts about this. “We are minding our own business to ensure that the rules of competition are followed,” Bilbao reiterates.
“We thank La Liga for its qualified and clear response.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta was also addressed by name, as he had recently stated that Barcelona was “working to comply with the 1:1 rule.” Currently, this is not the case with regard to the registration of players.
“We thank La Liga for its qualified and clear response and reiterate that Athletic Club will defend its interests to the end in accordance with the Financial Fair Play rules approved by every single professional club in La Liga,” Bilbao concluded his statement directed at the reigning champions.