Athletic Club have issued a statement to clarify their stance on Nico Williams following speculation they will try to block a potential transfer to Barcelona.
Joan Laporta reacted angrily to the speculation yesterday, and the Basque side have now offered a bit of insight into the situation and confirmed a meeting with La Liga has taken place.
“Athletic Club would like to thank LaLiga de Fútbol Profesional for the willingness and clarity shown at the meeting held yesterday between the two entities, 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 compliance with financial fair play. Among the topics discussed was FC Barcelona’s ability to sign players, given Athletic Club’s legitimate interest in accessing the relevant information, after FC Barcelona sporting director Anderson Luis de Souza ‘Deco’ publicly acknowledged that they will try to sign a player from our first team. This player has a contract with Athletic Club until June 30, 2027. Minding our own business means ensuring that the rules of the competition are followed.
“Anderson Luis de Souza ‘Deco’s’ statements add to the public statements made by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta himself, admitting that the Blaugrana club “ is working to be within the 1:1 rule ” and that, therefore, it is not currently within the parameters of said rule for registering players.
“We appreciate LaLiga’s complete willingness and clarity in its qualified response, and we affirm that Athletic Club will defend its interests to the fullest extent in compliance with the financial fair play regulations approved by each and every one of the professional clubs that make up LaLiga.”
La Liga has not commented on the meeting yet and Athletic’s concerns, with Barcelona said to be set to activate Williams’ release clause next week.
