Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reacted to speculation that Athletic Club will try to block Nico Williams’ potential move to Camp Nou this summer.
The Catalans are said to be ready to activate his release clause, but the Basques aren’t happy because they don’t think Barca are operating within the 1:1 rule.
Laporta has been asked about the situation and had a pretty defiant response, saying he didn’t understand their stance.
“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 with relationships that go back a long time,” he said, via Mundo Deportivo.
“I don’t understand the reactions they are having, with all due respect, each one should look after their own, I don’t understand why they are going to talk about Barça in La Liga, I don’t think it’s right, but they will know what they are doing.”
Laporta was then asked about the 1:1 rule and offered up the following explanation.
“We are working to be in the 1:1 rule, we were already in it in the winter market, all the steps have been taken to be able to sign normally, to not be financially intervened with the ‘fair play’ as happened until winter, we have to comply with certain parameters, which is what we are doing and depending on that we will be able to sign and register the two players we want to sign… or register.”
Barca are expected to try and activate Nico’s release clause at the start of July and then have him in the squad for pre-season.
