Barcelona president gives cold reply to fans asking about Nico Williams
Barcelona president Joan Laports has given a stone-cold reply when asked by fans about Nico Williams' potential transfer to the Catalan club. Williams, a star of Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, has been heavily linked with a move to the Blaugrana.
While signing fans' jerseys recently, Laporta was asked about whether Barca would be able to conclude a deal for Williams. The club president gave a vague reply, saying (via Barca Universal):
"I'm going to tell you."
Laporta's answers to such questions were previously quite amusing. He was spotted saying on occasions (via Barca Universal):
"We're going to try, let's see. He's good, eh?"
Williams had a stellar season with Athletic Bilbao in 2023-24, scoring eight goals and providing 19 assists in 37 appearances across competitions. He was also influential in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.
Williams scored twice, including the opener in the final against England, and provided one assist over the course of the competition.
A recent report from Mundo Deportivo, though, suggests that Williams' inner circle has advised the player to stay at Bilbao for another season before joining Barcelona. Bilbao wants to hand the player a new contract with a higher release clause and it could make his potential transfer difficult.
Williams currently has a release clause of €59 million in his Bilbao contract. Barca might need to pay that sum to sign Williams as the player is understood to be very loyal to his current club.
Joao Felix wants to wait for Barcelona despite Premier League interest: Reports
According to SPORT, Joao Felix wants Barcelona to make a move for him despite Aston Villa taking an interest in the player. The Portuguese forward is reportedly confident that the patience will work in his favor.
Felix spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Barca from Atletico Madrid. He scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 44 appearances across competitions for the Catalan club.
While Barca considers Felix a valuable player, they'd only consider him if they aren't able to sign Nico Williams or Dani Olmo during the summer transfer market. Sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick reportedly see Felix as a valuable asset.