Athletic Club icon defends Nico Williams’ Barcelona move – ‘Who doesn’t want to improve their status?’ | OneFootball

Legendary Athletic Club manager Javier Clemente has shared his thoughts on the ongoing saga surrounding Nico Williams’ potential move to Barcelona, offering a calm and measured perspective amid growing frustration in Bilbao.

As tensions rise over the winger’s possible departure, Clemente’s remarks provide a welcome dose of realism.

Although Nico remains an Athletic Club player for now, speculation surrounding his future continues to gain traction. Barcelona are close to activating the player’s release clause, a move that has not been well received in Bilbao.

However, Clemente has dismissed these reactions as overly emotional and lacking in context. “When players manage to play for Athletic, they then have other goals, such as progressing professionally,” he said.

“Who doesn’t want to improve their status, their economy, and their recognition?”

Barcelona not breaking any rules

Clemente also addressed accusations that Barça have handled the transfer unethically. “I don’t think Barcelona has acted differently from what the others do,” he insisted.

Nico Williams is close to signing for Barcelona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“Negotiating with players who are under contract happens all the time. People only notice when it becomes public. It is something that happens every year.”

This sentiment reinforces that Barcelona’s approach to the signing is not unusual within modern football’s competitive landscape.

Despite Nico having what some consider a modest season at Athletic, Clemente remains optimistic about his future.

“He’s going to have to sweat it out because Barcelona have more power and more competition,” he admitted. “If he ends up leaving, the one who loses the most is Ernesto Valverde.”

In contrast to the bitterness expressed by some fans and commentators, Clemente’s words remind us that football is constantly evolving.

For talented players like Nico, ambition and opportunity often guide the path forward, and in this case, that path may very well lead to Barcelona.

Source: SPORT