After it was possible to bring Joan Garcia from Espanyol, and the signing of Roony Bardghji of Copenhagen is a matter of the next days, FC Barcelona focuses all his attention to Nico Williams from Athletik, who ended the previous season with eleven goals and seven assists in 45 matches. The agreement of Williams with the club from the Basque Country has a redemption clause of EUR 58 million. Athletic demands the amount of the clause in one installment, although Barcelona would rather spread it in installments.
Laporta talks directly about Williams' transfer. “Barcelona is prepared”
Joan Laporta referred to Williams' transfer during the Koeman Cup turtleneck. – I will not talk about specific players, I am talking about our market capabilities. If the market opportunity is associated with paying the clause, then Barcelona is prepared. If we decide to take advantage of this opportunity, we will do what it should be. We have nothing to hide, let them control us, no problem. We intend to use market occasions – he said.
And how did Laporta refer to Athletik, including the last message? – Everyone does what they have to. We do what we have to use market opportunities. We follow the recommendations of Deco and Hansi Flick. When it comes to Athletic, let them do what they have to do. I respect this and I hope that they respect what we do. We want everyone to be treated equally and in this sense we do not feel injured or persecuted. We do everything correctly, we have nothing to hide – added the president of Barcelona.
Recently, there has been a meeting between the Spanish league authorities and representatives of Athletik. Journalists also asked Laport about that. – Meeting of the Laliga authorities with Athletik? This is their work, but I have to say that what Barcelona does and concerns it is the league authorities know that club finances are confidential. We meet all the league requirements as well as financial Fair Play. I don't want to talk about persecution. There are some difficulties, obstacles and we learn to overcome them – he concluded.
“Mundo Deportivo” reports that the payment of the redemption clause for Nico Williams in the amount of EUR 58 million is to take place between July 1 and 2.
See also: Romano announces on Lewandowski's transfer. “I wouldn't be surprised”
Athletic met with the league authorities. And he talked about Barcelona
On Thursday, an Athletik message appeared, in which the club announced a meeting with the Spanish league authorities. It also concerned Barcelona's actions. “Athletic takes care of his own interests. During the meeting, the ability of FC Barcelona to acquire players was discussed, we are grateful to La Liga for the full disposition and clarity of its answers,” the club said in a statement.
Time will tell if Williams' transfer to Barcelona will take place, or, as, as last year, Williams will finally stay in Athletik.