Newsball – Nico Williams, the young Spanish star and main player for Athletic Bilbao, is now the center of attention in the transfer scandal to Barcelona.
It is no longer a secret that he wants to move to Barcelona. In fact, the Catalan giants are reportedly willing to pay 58 million euros as a release clause. However, the transfer will not be easy.
Athletic Bilbao is hesitant to lose one of its best assets so easily. The club’s president, John Uriarte, is reported to have met with La Liga president Javier Tebas to question the legitimacy of Barcelona’s transfer activities.
The reason is that Barcelona remains the target of criticism regarding the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations introduced by La Liga.
Bilbao doubts Barcelona
Bilbao doubts Barcelona’s financial strength to make big transfers. Moreover, the “one in, one out” rule still applies to the registration of new players.
The case is similar to that of Dani Olmo, who experienced a similar obstacle.
Tebas, known for his frequent clashes with the Camp Nou camp, stressed that Barcelona can still sign players as long as the “one in, one out” condition is met.
However, it remains to be seen whether this process will go smoothly.
Barcelona must sacrifice players
Barcelona is reportedly looking for a solution by releasing several players in preparation for the arrival of Nico Williams.
Ansu Fati is almost certain to move to AS Monaco, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen is also being considered for sale to reduce the wage burden.
Barcelona could sell Ronald Araújo, as multiple top European clubs have expressed interest in the Uruguayan defender.
These measures are not just part of a financial strategy, but also symbolize Barcelona’s strong determination to bring Nico to the Camp Nou.
Bilbao maintains identity
For Athletic Bilbao, Nico Williams’s stay is not just a technical issue. The club is widely known for its unique philosophy of only recruiting players of Basque descent or from the club’s academy.
Losing Nico wouldn’t just weaken the team’s performance on the pitch – it would erode the decades-old identity that defines Athletic Bilbao.
That is why it is natural that Bilbao would insist on keeping him, even if it means clashing with the Spanish Football Federation and the supporters.
Nico’s wrong position
In the tug-of-war between the two clubs, Nico Williams is actually in a difficult position.
Bilbao fans still love him, but this ongoing confusion is putting more and more pressure on Nico from all sides. Some call for an immediate departure, while others say he will remain loyal to Bilbao.
If Nico delays his decision, he risks losing the sympathy of Bilbao supporters. But if he goes ahead with the move, he might be seen as a traitor in the eyes of Los Leones’ passionate fans.
Conflict of interest in the transfer saga
This transfer is no longer about money or team strategy. Now, the transfer is a battle over egos, values and the politics of Spanish football.
Will Barcelona get Nico Williams? Or will Athletic Bilbao remain a symbol of Basque pride?
One thing is certain: this saga is not going to end anytime soon. While waiting for his next move, Nico can only hope that he doesn’t have to wear a Barcelona-Bilbao scarf during preseason.
Source : MITOSBET
