The talented Athletic Club winger, Nico Williams, has been embroiled in a heated transfer saga with Barcelona now ramping up their interest.
Athletic Club has taken a resolute stand, issuing a powerful statement defending Nico Williams amid escalating transfer speculation.
The mural was defaced to the point that the muralist erased the image and wrote in its place, “Whether you leave or stay, you’ve lost our respect.”
Athletic’s statement noted their values and stated, “The dignity of a club is: reflects the consistency of values that we have had from our foundation. A value that protects its members.”
Athletic went on to pledge to restore the mural, showing that they were standing behind their young superstar.
Barcelona’s interest in Williams has been ramped up with news that the two clubs have already reached a pre-agreement for a six-year €12m gross per season contract, as per BarcaBlaugranes.
At 22 years old, Williams is ready to team up with Lamine Yamal in one of the most exciting attacking groups in Europe.
However, he also has a release clause of €62m that Barcelona will try to trigger as they look to add Williams before Athletic’s pre-season begins on August 12.
There are some financial hurdles, however. La Liga chief, Javier Tebas, previously stated that Barcelona need to make a sale of a number of players in order to register Williams.
Other players such Ansu Fati, Oriol Romeu, and Pablo Torre have been speculated as possible sales, while the likes of Ronald Araujo or Marc-André ter Stegen may have to be sacrificed if Barcelona wish to balance its books.
Athletic Club feel let down about Williams talking to again with Deco from Barcelona, however they stand firm and will not allow movement below the release clause.
The poor relationship between the two clubs, made worse by the failed transfer in the summer, adds to the challenge.
Since Williams wants to remain in Spain, Barcelona has the upper hand over Bayern Munich and Arsenal, but Athletic Club’s position means negotiation will be tough.
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