Latest news with #FelixTainta
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Athletic Club fans turn cold on Nico Williams over Barcelona move
As the likelihood of Nico Williams' departure increases, the first major public reaction has already taken place back in his hometown. A mural in Barakaldo, a municipality located in the Basque Country, which featured both Nico and his older brother, Inaki Williams, has been altered. Advertisement In the early hours of Sunday, a group of individuals erased Nico's image from the wall. What remains is not just the absence of the young star's face, but also a strong message painted next to it. 'Joan edo geratu, errespetua galdu duzu.' (Translation: 'Go or stay. You have lost respect.'). The mural originally went up in March 2024, following Athletic Club's Copa del Rey triumph. Over time, other club icons like Iker Muniain and Oscar De Marcos were added. However, the recent act of defacing shows how divided emotions have become, especially among fans who feel betrayed by Nico's possible exit. Barcelona working behind the scenes Despite the controversy, the transfer looks set to go through. Barcelona's sporting director Deco has already confirmed that the club is actively working to finalise the move. The earlier mural looked like this. (Photo credit: X/GerardRomero) Advertisement The player's camp is also playing its part. Nico's agent, Felix Tainta, is now trying to convince Athletic Club to accept a payment structure that would allow Barça to pay the fee in instalments rather than all at once. The release clause currently stands at €58 million, but with inflation factored in, the total amount could reach €62 million unless both clubs reach a favourable agreement soon. If all goes according to plan, Nico Williams could soon be wearing the Barcelona shirt, fulfilling a move that now seems more inevitable than ever, even if it comes at the cost of upsetting his hometown supporters.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Internal tension grows as Barcelona must fulfil major condition before signing a winger
According to a fresh update from Mundo Deportivo, the internal debate at Barcelona surrounding the signing of Nico Williams is growing louder and more complex by the day. While the 22-year-old winger has shown clear interest in joining the Catalan club and even had his agent, Felix Tainta, meet with sporting director Deco last Friday in Barcelona, doubts remain strong within the club hierarchy. Advertisement Barcelona are actively looking to reinforce the squad this summer, particularly on the wings, but the path to bringing in a high-profile player like Nico is riddled with contradictions and complications. Sources within the club admit that there is no unanimous agreement on whether pursuing the Athletic Club winger is the right move, especially considering what unfolded last summer and the financial realities they are still grappling with today. Issues in signing Nico Williams While Nico's desire to wear the Barça shirt is no longer in question, the real issue lies in financing the operation. Athletic Club have made it clear that they will not entertain negotiations and they will only accept the activation of the player's release clause, which, including the Consumer Price Index adjustment, would cost around €64 million. Barcelona cannot sign Nico Williams just yet. (Photo by) Advertisement On top of that, the clause must be paid in full upfront, a condition that presents a major financial hurdle for a club still recovering economically and already having committed over €25 million for goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Need more sales What remains clear is whether it is Nico or another winger, no major signing will be possible unless significant player sales occur. The club has made it a point to communicate that any transfer of such financial weight must be preceded by an exit that replenishes their funds. The interest in Nico has not gone away, and the player himself is reportedly willing to wait. However, the next few weeks could be decisive. Without a key departure, Barcelona may once again find themselves admiring the winger from afar, unable to act on their interest due to constraints that are as financial as they are strategic.
