Barcelona president Joan Laporta has delivered a firm response to Athletic Bilbao’s criticism over the Catalan club’s pursuit of Nico Williams, telling the Basque side to focus on their own affairs.
Williams, who has Ghanaian heritage, has emerged as one of Barcelona’s top summer transfer targets.
His agent is reported to have reached an agreement on personal terms with Barcelona sporting director Deco, with the club now preparing to activate the 22-year-old winger’s €58 million release clause.
However, Barcelona’s overt interest in the Athletic Club star has drawn frustration from Bilbao’s hierarchy, who have publicly voiced displeasure over the way the Blaugrana have handled their approach.
In response, Laporta dismissed the backlash, insisting there is no ill will between the two historic Spanish sides.
“We don’t have a bad relationship with Athletic,” Laporta told La Llotja del 125.
“In recent years there have been a series of misunderstandings and incidents, but I don’t think you can say we have a bad relationship for this reason.
“We’re clubs with a very long history. I don’t understand the reactions they’re having. With all due respect, everyone should mind their own business. I don’t understand why they’re going to talk about Barça to LaLiga; I don’t think it’s appropriate. They’ll know what they’re doing.”
When pressed specifically on Barcelona’s interest in Williams, Laporta was defiant about the club’s ability to do business within financial regulations.
“We’re working to be within the 1:1 rule, which we already were in the winter transfer window,” he said. “All the steps have been taken to be able to sign normally… We’ll sign what we want to sign and register them.”
