Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted that his side are able to trigger the €58 million release clause included in Nico Williams’ Athletic Club contract.
The Spain international has already agreed personal terms with Hansi Flick’s side and he is widely expected to secure a lucrative contract with the Camp Nou outfit, having snubbed interest from the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
Athletic Club have even met with La Liga officials in recent days in order to question Barcelona’s ability to sign Williams amid significant financial troubles at Camp Nou.
They believe Barcelona may be unable to afford a deal for Williams and are unhappy about the public manner of the Blaugrana’s pursuit.
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk have now reported that Athletic Club are determined to retain Williams’ services for at least another season and they are offering him a bumper new deal until 2027 in a bid to thwart Barcelona.
Williams has informed Athletic Club of his desire to secure a Camp Nou switch, however his current employers are unwilling to sanction a departure unless Barcelona pay his €58m release clause in full.
What has been said?
In response to Athletic Club’s meeting with La Liga, Laporta told SPORT: “Everyone should do what they think they have to. We’re doing what Barca should do when it comes to taking advantage of the opportunities in the market and following what our director of football and our manager tell us.
“I have nothing more to say about Athletic; let them do what they have to do. I respect what they do, just as I hope I respect what we do.”
“What Barca does concerns Barca, and La Liga is aware that club accounts are subject to a significant level of confidentiality. We are complying with all of La Liga’s requirements and fair play to take advantage of market opportunities.”
Laporta added: “Barca is prepared to do what is necessary if a market opportunity requires paying a clause.
“Since we have nothing to hide, being investigated is no problem, but we do want everyone to be treated by the same standards you’re talking about. We don’t feel harmed or persecuted. We’re just doing our own thing.”
Williams scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances last season, and a move to Barcelona feels inevitable as things stands, despite Athletic Club’s desire to retain his services.
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