La Liga chief comments on Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Nico Williams – ‘Wasn’t willing to give that guarantee’ | OneFootball

Barcelona were left disappointed in their pursuit of Nico Williams for the second summer in a row as the young winger opted to renew his contract with Athletic Club despite having committed to join the Catalans.

Indeed, everything appeared to be on track for the 22-year-old to move to Barça, but he made a sudden U-turn after the Catalans refused to entertain his camp’s requests for written guarantees over registration in La Liga.

Javier Tebas on Barcelona-Nico saga

Speaking to ESPN, La Liga president Javier Tebas commented on the entire saga involving Barcelona and Nico Williams, giving his two cents on why the deal collapsed.

“What I’ve been able to read is that Nico Williams was asking for a registration guarantee, I don’t know what conditions, but that a football club like Barcelona wasn’t willing to give that guarantee,” said Tebas.

Continuing, he added: “I think Barcelona are in a similar situation to what happened in previous seasons, where they were signing players and waiting until the last minute.

“That’s something that can make some great players prefer not to take risks and enter an uncertain situation.”

Nico Williams snubbed Barcelona again. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“I think Barcelona know exactly what they have to do and if they decide to move properly, they can sign players,” he added.

Tebas also commented on Barcelona’s transfer market situation, stating that the La Liga champions were close to being able to operate freely in the market.

“It’s close, in my opinion. The point is whether they consider they’ll make certain decisions to get closer, but they’re close.”

Hosting a match in the USA

Tebas reiterated that the idea of staging a La Liga match in the United States is still very much alive. In fact, he made it clear that Barcelona would be one of his top choices to lead LaLiga’s expansion into the US market.

“We have a commitment to play in Miami someday. We previously discussed involving major clubs, perhaps seeing a match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. We will see what the calendar allows, but the idea is to bring a big club,” he noted.

“Given the relationships and willingness involved, it would be easier with Barça than with Real Madrid,” Tebas further added.