Athletic Club have refuted claims of a gentleman’s agreement that would allow Nico Williams to leave the club during the current transfer window, amid mounting pressure from Barcelona.
Reports from Cadena SER indicate that the Basque outfit are pushing back against growing expectations that their prized winger will depart this summer.
Williams, who is of Ghanaian heritage, remains a central figure for Athletic and is viewed as irreplaceable by the club hierarchy.
His reported desire to join La Liga champions Barcelona has been met with firm resistance in Bilbao, especially with the Catalan giants yet to meet the financial conditions set by La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule.
Athletic officials argue that until Barcelona reach that threshold, they should not be permitted to activate the €58 million release clause in Williams’ contract.
Despite the legal roadblocks, Barcelona are continuing to work behind the scenes to secure the player’s signature.
Personal terms have already been agreed with the Spain international, who has long been admired by the club’s management.
Head coach Hansi Flick sees Williams as a key figure in his project, while sporting director Deco is said to be personally involved in the negotiations.
Athletic, however, are standing their ground. They insist that no verbal promise was made to Williams when he extended his contract last year and that the only valid exit route remains the full payment of his release clause.
With pre-season fast approaching and the transfer window heating up, Athletic are determined not to lose their star winger without a fight.
