Nico Williams Transfer Update: Barcelona President Joan Laporta Hits Out at Athletic Club Over Attempt To Block Move

Barcelona President Criticizes Athletic Club for Interfering With Barça’s Financial Affairs and La Liga Talks.

Athletic Club reportedly reahed out to La Liga authorities to keep an eye out on Barcelona over their financial sendings this summer. Following this, Barcelona president Joan Laporta publicly criticized them for their attempt to block the Catalan side’s pursuit of Nico Williams.

He called the Basque club’s actions unnecessary and inappropriate. Barca are prepared to activate the winger’s €62 million release clause next week. Since it’s almost sure that the official conversation will soon begin, tensions have escalated between the two La Liga clubs.

🚨 Barça president Joan Laporta: “I don't understand why Athletic Bilbao wants to speak about Barça with La Liga. I don't think it's appropriate, but that's their problem”. pic.twitter.com/RN3rRdLBVm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2025

Several rumours are spreading and reports also suggest that Barcelona have already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old. Nico Williams is also keen on a move to Camp Nou. However, Athletic are not letting the matter pass quietly.

According to Cadena SER, club officials recently met with La Liga representatives in Madrid to question Barcelona’s financial standing and salary limit compliance. Reportedly, their aim is to ensure that the transfer does not breach Financial Fair Play rules.

Joan Laporta Questions Athletic Club’s Intentions

In response to Athletic Club’s move, Joan Laporta has taken a firm stance. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said:

“We don’t have bad relations with Athletic. Yes, there have been a series of misunderstandings and incidents in recent years, but you can’t say we have bad relations. We are two clubs with a very long history and long-standing relationships.”

Also Read: Nico Williams to FC Barcelona: The £50M Transfer That Could Redefine Camp Nou’s Attack

Still, the president made it clear he found Athletic’s approach out of line:

“I don’t understand the reactions they’re having. With all due respect, everyone should look after their own interests. I don’t understand why they’re going to talk about Barca in La Liga. I don’t think it’s right, but they’ll know what they’re doing.”

Athletic are reportedly upset about what they consider a premature public pursuit of their player. Too many rumours have spread in the last few weeks regarding the transfer, like Williams emptying out his locker or that the deal would be paid in instalments. However, the Basque club has denied all these claims.

Also Read: FC Barcelona Set Date for Return to Spotify Camp Nou

Barcelona Insist They Are Following La Liga Rules

With Barcelona’s well-known financial issues, those concerns are central to the controversy. Laporta, however, remains confident that Barcelona’s finances are in order. “We are working to be in the 1:1 rule. In fact, we were already in it during the winter market. All the steps have been taken to be able to sign normally,” he assured.

The 1:1 rule allows clubs to spend freely as long as they generate equivalent savings or income. Laporta insisted that the club met the necessary parameters during the winter transfer window. He has also assured that the Catalan club will proceed with its transfer plans as intended.

Athletic Club

Barcelona

Joan Laporta

La Liga

Nico Williams

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.