Speaking to the media, Barcelona president Joan Laporta addressed Athletic Club’s reaction over Barça’s pursuit of Nico Williams. It has become increasingly evident that Barcelona is aiming to sign the 22-year-old winger from the Basque club, with personal terms already agreed upon.
The La Liga champions intend to trigger his €62 million release clause next week, paving the way for the deal to be finalized. However, Athletic Club plans to approach La Liga to contest their homegrown player’s departure, claiming that Barcelona is not adhering to Financial Fair Play regulations.
In response, Laporta expressed his disappointment with the situation, stating: “We don’t have bad relations with Athletic. In recent years there have been misunderstandings and incidents, but that doesn’t imply bad relations between Barça and Athletic.”
He continued, “I don’t understand the unease regarding the reactions they are having. With all due respect, everyone should focus on their own matters.” Laporta emphasized, “I don’t see it as appropriate for Athletic to discuss Barça with La Liga, but they know what they are doing.”
Regarding the club’s financial state and their aim to comply with the 1:1 rule, Laporta noted: “We are working toward being in the 1:1 rule, which we managed during the winter transfer window.” He assured that all necessary steps have been taken to enable normal signings without financial intervention from fair play regulations. “At this moment, I believe we can sign normally. Of course, we have to meet certain parameters, and we are doing just that. With adherence to these parameters, we can sign the players we aim to sign.”
When asked more about Nico Williams, Laporta skillfully redirected the conversation: “Let me refrain from discussing names. We are monitoring all opportunities in the market. We seized an opportunity that arose for Joan Garcia.” He added that the club will pursue any player the director of football deems fit and will capitalize on market opportunities without naming specific players.
Laporta also provided an update on Ansu Fati’s potential move, stating: “If everything goes well, we could have very good news this week regarding his transfer to Monaco.” Furthermore, he shared news about the Spotify Camp Nou return, mentioning: “It is planned that we will be back home on August 10 for the Gamper. That will be with a limited capacity based on what we can accommodate at that time. As we return, the first official match will allow for more seats. We have been working for four months on the return to the stadium, and we are very excited.”
