Barcelona star speaks out on Nico Williams’ transfer denial
Barcelona’s prime summer target was Nico Williams, which he declined causing a reaction from the Catalan side centre-back Inigo Martinez who said “fine” regarding the decision.
Nico Williams decided to stay at Athletic Bilbao after the successful European triumph brought him to everyone’s wish list such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and even Barcelona. However, he nodded away from the interests of all these clubs to stay at the Basque side.
As the season started, the second round of La Liga fixtures brought the face-off between the two Spanish sides, where the Barca fans rolled out their tongues to express their frustration by booing the 22-year-old from the first to the final whistle for his decision.
Former Athletic defender Martinez stepped up for the youngster, saying that Williams will blossom into a remarkable player irrespective of the club he represents.
“Nico is going to continue growing, if it is in another team, fine, and if it is in Athletic, also fine,” he said. “The decision will always be his. I will support him in everything that is needed at any given moment.”
Despite, Barcelona’s eventual victory, Willams was seen having a light moment with Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick, who was later asked about the conversation in the post-match interview.
“I just congratulated him on the Euros,” Flick said about the Spain superstar. “I don’t like to talk about rivals.”
As per reports, Williams still ranks top for Barcelona in their transfer list but hopes for another late bid are not in the cards, as the side already has ongoing troubles with registering new signing Dani Olmo.
With Ilkay Gundogan re-joining Manchester City, Mikayil Faye moving to Rennes and both Vitor Roque and Clement Lenglet leaving on loan spells, Barca are constrained to make a financial decision to register a midfielder.
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