Ernesto Valverde offers fresh update on Nico Williams amid Barcelona’s continued interest
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has been asked about Nico Williams once again after a summer of constant speculation linking the forward with Barcelona.
The Catalan giants’ hopes of landing Williams appear to have receded recently, with the Basque club having handed the Spain star the No. 10 shirt for the new season.
Valverde says that Williams is happy at Athletic but also admitted things could change with the summer window remaining open until the end of the month.
“The market is open. We have players, such as Nico, who are good here, but the market is open until the 30th. There are still a few days left for us and also the other teams to try to improve the squads. We will try to have the best possible squad at the end of the month. But I see Nico very well,” he told reporters.
“For us, the most important thing is that the players want to be with us. That’s why it’s important that the club and the team present the players with the possibility to grow and win, we won’t deceive ourselves… For us, that Nico can to continue is important for our own self-esteem. I don’t know what can happen, but we want the best for our players. If it is with us, if it is out, then out.”
Barcelona appear to have moved on to other targets after becoming frustrated in their hunt for Williams. Luis Diaz, Kingsley Coman and even Ivan Perisic have been mentioned as possible targets in recent days.
