Athletic Club send fresh message to Barcelona and Hansi Flick over Nico Williams
Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte has sent out a fresh message to Barcelona regarding forward Nico Williams.
Barcelona spent the summer trying to sign Nico but ultimately failed. The Spain star has since insisted he always wanted to stay in Bilbao.
Uriarte now says he’s hopeful that Williams can stay at the club for his entire career.
“Nico has made it clear with words and actions that he wants to stay here. Keeping him is vital to set ambitious goals,” he told reporters.
“At the club we have to work to make the project attractive for our players and so that Nico can develop his entire career with us.
“There has been uncertainty in the air because it seems that there is an unwritten rule that players must sign for what many call the big clubs. Athletic’s project continues to grow, with a unique and differential feeling of belonging and with ever-increasing ambition.
“To those who belittle our feeling of belonging, I would like to remind them that Athletic is a great club because of its track record, its youth academy, its stadium and, ultimately, because it is unique in the world.”
Uriarte also had a few words for Flick who gave Nico a hug when the two teams met in La Liga and congratulated him on his success at Euro 2024.
“During the whole summer, Flick’s statements were normal and respectful, but I was surprised by that hug,” he added.
“He explained that he congratulated him on the triumph in the Euros, so I suppose he would also do the same with Vivian… although I didn’t think I saw it.”
Speculation over Nico’s future has now gone quiet with the transfer window closed but don’t be surprised to see the saga start up again next year – particularly if Barca’s financial problems have eased.