Barcelona Director Insists Club Never Chased Nico Williams

Barcelona’s sporting director says the club never wanted to sign Athletic Club attacker Nico Williams on a free transfer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona’s efforts to snap up Spain international Williams have long been reported, with the club initially linked with him during the summer transfer window. However, after he signed a new contract at Athletic Club, it was claimed in Spain that Barcelona promptly moved on to Plan B: a free transfer at the end of the season.

The right winger’s new contract includes a release clause raised to around €95-100 million, as recent reports confirm. Mundo Deportivo reported last week that Williams was on a “pre-agreement” to join Hansi Flick’s side, prompting a strong rebuke from Athletic Club, who threatened the Catalans with legal action.

WHAT SANCHEZ SAID

Now Barcelona sporting director Deco has come out firing, claiming that Williams was never an objective for the La Liga champions. When asked about the potential deal, Deco told a press conference: “Athletic accused us of trying to take on a player. Athletic’s sporting director lied, because the first time I talked to him I was very clear and told him that we didn’t want the player.”

He went on to say that the player’s agent had “called Barcelona many times” and that the style of player Williams was did not “fit our team.” When asked by Sky Sports if what he was saying was that player is being “offered to clubs,” Deco replied: “Yes, the agent is offering the player to clubs.”

He added: “They have to ask the agent what he is doing with the player, with the permission of the player, of course.”

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCA?

Barcelona have made front-line reinforcements a priority for the upcoming transfer window and they are heavily linked with signing Rodrygo Goes from Real Madrid. Reports suggest this potential transfer is aimed at strengthening their attacking options.