Athletic Club pulled a fast one on Barcelona for the second year running as the Basque club announced that they had tied down Nico Williams to a 10-year contract. The Spain international had been linked with a move to the Catalan side this summer with personal term reportedly having been agreed. However, the club had been waiting to achieve 1:1 with La Liga's financial rules before making the move.
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- Nico Williams snubs Barcelona yet again
- Extends with Athletic Club until 2035
- Fans say Athletic bullied Nico into new contract
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- Getty
WHAT HAPPENED?
Athletic Club have won the battle with Barcelona yet again after their tussle earlier in the month, when the Basque side had made an enquiry into the La Liga champions' financial statements when it became obvious that Barcelona were ready to trigger Williams' release clause. Joan Laporta and co. are said to be surprised by Williams' renewal as they had been told by the player's camp that they were waiting for Barcelona. Fans are now claiming that Bilbao have bullied the 22-year-old into signing a new contract at San Mames.
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WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
X user @Brendon_Ndlovu said: "The bullied him into renewing. Made it nearly impossible for him to move around in his own city. Vandalised his murals and used his family to pressure him into renewing just like Mbappe at PSG."
@AzraxSypher said: "Lmaoooo Barca have no pull."
@Zayyad_Yazeed added: "This boy have done dirty to Barcelona honestly."
@FowobiofLagos added: "Why was he playing with Barcelona’s emotions."
@UTDFondre concluded: "Nico Williams this, Nico Williams that.. you have seen now Barcelona fans. Better go and sign Rashford now…"
- AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Williams had long been Barcelona's option to take up the left-wing role under Hansi Flick with Raphinha expected to move into the No. 10 role next season. As such, they will now likely go back to their secondary and tertiary options in Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford and Liverpool's Luis Diaz.
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WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
Rashford, who has been dreaming of a move to Barcelona, had seen his hopes squashed when the Catalan side decided to move for Williams. However, the move could now be back on for the Manchester United outcast, who will likely be keen to join Flick's side as soon as possible.
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