Former Barcelona president reacts to failed Nico Williams transfer – ‘With me, he would have signed’ | OneFootball

Former FC Barcelona president Joan Gaspart made headlines during his appearance on Radio MARCA, claiming that if he were still in charge, the Blaugrana would have been successful in signing Nico Williams.

Barcelona looked set to secure the signing of the 22-year-old winger from Athletic Club, having reached an agreement over a six-year contract.

When preparations were being made to activate his €62 million release clause, the Spaniard made a sudden, unexpected U-turn and signed a new contract with Athletic Club until 2035, rejecting Barça for the second summer in a row.

Joan Gaspart on failed Nico move

Gaspart did not hold back when discussing the highly publicised collapse of Nico Williams’ potential transfer to Barcelona.

The former president criticised the current Barça negotiators over how the situation was handled and implied a lack of passion in the club’s efforts.

“Athletic have shown more passion, more desire, more of everything to keep him. That is something that I have experienced in several signings. Passion is key,” said Gaspart.

Nico chose Athletic Club over Barcelona again. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Continuing, he added: “I have had to convince more than one lady to convince her husband to sign for Barça. With me, Nico would have signed for Barça.”

However, Gaspart insisted that his absence should not weigh on Hansi Flick’s new project, stating that the Blaugrana have a much better player in Raphinha.

“I prefer to see Raphinha play, he’s much better than Nico,” he remarked.

Despite the disappointment over the failed signing, Gaspart voiced his support for current sporting director Deco. He defended him publicly, stating:

“He understands football, he was a great player and knows the world of intermediaries well. What has happened is not his fault.”

Gaspart also took the opportunity to express his staunch anti-Madrid sentiment when commenting on the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup semi-final between Real Madrid and PSG.

“I want PSG to win so that Madrid lose. Full stop. You know that white has never suited me,” the former Barcelona president said.