A covert meeting between FC Barcelona sporting director Deco and Félix Tainta, the agent of Spanish international Nico Williams, has sparked a storm of controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Athletic Bilbao after details of the private talks were leaked.
The meeting, which reportedly took place in complete discretion, centred around the potential future of 21-year-old winger Nico Williams, one of the most coveted young talents in La Liga.
Though such behind-the-scenes discussions are not uncommon in elite football, the unauthorised revelation of this particular exchange has left Athletic Bilbao deeply unsettled.
According to multiple Spanish media outlets, the dialogue between Deco and Tainta was meant to remain confidential. However, the rapid spread of the news across the Spanish press has raised eyebrows and provoked a fierce response from Athletic Club officials.
The Basque side, known for their staunch commitment to professionalism and loyalty, are said to be incensed by what they perceive as a breach of protocol and respect.
Williams, who has become a standout performer at San Mamés, has been attracting growing interest across Europe thanks to his explosive pace, flair, and increasing maturity on the pitch.
The younger brother of Iñaki Williams, he has carved out his own identity in the Spanish top flight and is seen as a crucial part of the club’s present and future.
His current contract with Athletic includes a release clause that clubs like Barcelona are reportedly exploring as part of their summer transfer strategy.
What has especially irked Bilbao officials is the manner in which the contact was made. While clubs are permitted to initiate talks with players in certain contractual situations, Athletic believe the nature and timing of the meeting, coupled with its exposure, undermines their relationship with the player and his entourage.
Sources close to the club have suggested that such a situation could potentially destabilise their squad just as they aim to build on a promising season.
For Barcelona, the interest in Williams comes amid a broader restructuring under new manager Hansi Flick. With the Catalan club under ongoing financial constraints, they have been seeking value in the market—particularly in young domestic talents whose contracts contain defined exit clauses.
Williams fits that profile perfectly: a Spanish international, already experienced in La Liga, and with room to grow into a key figure at a top club.
However, the fallout from this leaked meeting could complicate any immediate hopes Barcelona may have harboured of landing the winger. Athletic, proud of their Basque identity and long-term player development model, have traditionally been reluctant to engage in negotiations under duress or public pressure.
As the summer transfer window edges closer, this development adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a heated market. Whether Barcelona will push forward with their interest in Williams remains to be seen, but the rupture with Bilbao has already cast a shadow over the potential transfer.
For now, neither club has issued an official statement on the matter, but behind the scenes, the situation is being monitored closely—by fans, officials, and rivals alike. What was intended as a quiet meeting may now have consequences far beyond the negotiating table.
