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Barcelona’s interest in pursuing Nico Williams has sparked fresh controversy, this time due to remarks made by the club’s sporting director, Deco. Deco recently claimed that the Athletic Club winger is keen on a move to Barcelona—comments that has not gone down well in the Basque region. Rafael Alkorta, a former Athletic Club player and sporting director from 2018 to 2022, has sharply criticized Barcelona, accusing them of showing a lack of respect. In an interview on El Larguero, Alkorta called the comments tactless and said they have placed Nico Williams “in a difficult position” by publicly revealing his alleged intentions.
“Last year they tried this and I didn’t get it then either. It was more like a case of ‘we want to, but we can’t’. But now, what Deco has done is beyond belief," Alkorta said. He further claimed that Deco's remarks can make things quite hard. "Coming out and saying Nico wants to join Barcelona is wrong. “He’s still an Athletic Club player, and he has a valid contract. What Deco did only makes it worse for everyone involved."
Barcelona needs to pay Nico Williams release clause amount in full- Athletic Chief says
Further commenting on the transfer issue, Alkorta mentioned that Barcelona should pay William's release clause amount in full and at once. All other options appear to be off the table, and Deco’s remarks have seemingly only strengthened the Athletic Club’s resolve.
Alkorta also took the opportunity to remind everyone how transfer clauses are intended to function: “If a club wants a player, pay the clause and move on. That’s the game. But what Barça are doing now is just not on.” Deco, however, has not retracted his statement. He openly reiterated that Nico has shown interest in joining Barcelona and stated that the club will pursue the transfer as part of efforts to strengthen Hansi Flick’s squad. The situation has now grown increasingly tense between the two clubs, with Athletic Club displeased by the way matters are being conducted in the public eye.
