Nico Williams saga escalates: Athletic confirm talks with La Liga over Barcelona’s financial situation | OneFootball

Athletic Club have this week released a lengthy statement, confirming ongoing discussions regarding the financial situation of La Liga rivals Barcelona.

This of course comes amid the latter’s long-term pursuit of Nico Williams.

After seeing efforts to bring in wide-man Nico last summer come up short, Barcelona have reignited their efforts to land the 22-year-old in a major way this time round.

The problem for the Blaugrana, however, is that Athletic Club appear adamant that their star attacker will be going nowhere over the months ahead.

The Basque outfit have set about proving that Barca are not in the financial position to activate Nico’s release clause this summer.

So much so that, as confirmed by the board at San Mamés themselves this week, discussions have taken place with La Liga, concerning ‘compliance with financial fair play rules’.

In a statement across their website and social media platforms, Athletic wrote:

‘Athletic Club would like to thank LaLiga for its co-operation and clarity during yesterday’s meeting between the two organisations, in which Javier Tebas and Jon Uriarte, respective presidents of each entity, were present.

‘The meeting in Madrid was held in response to a request made by Athletic Club concerning compliance with financial fair play rules.

‘Among the issues discussed was FC Barcelona’s ability to sign players. Athletic Club has a legitimate interest in accessing relevant information about this given that FC Barcelona’s director of football, Anderson Luis de Souza ‘Deco’, publicly acknowledged that they will try to sign a player from our first team.  A player who is under contract at Athletic Club until 30 June 2027.

‘Seeking clarification about these matters helps to ensure that the rules of the competition are followed properly.’

Conor Laird – GSFN