Laporta tight-lipped on Barcelona interest in €58 million-rated La Liga winger | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave an interview earlier this month during which he admitted liking Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as well as stated that the Catalans can afford his signing.

The open pursuit of the 22-year-old Spanish winger, who has a €58 million release clause in his contract, did not please Athletic Club.

In fact, the Basque outfit’s president, Jon Uriarte, lashed out at the Blaugrana for how they approached the transfer, citing a lack of respect.

“Respect between all the stakeholders that make up football is a fundamental basis, that’s how we conceive it at least at Athletic, and do not have the formula of putting public pressure on players with contracts at other clubs to try to incorporate them into our structure,” Uriarte had said.

Laporta: ‘We respect Athletic Club’

Following that incident, Barcelona president Joan Laporta was quizzed again about their interest in Nico Williams.

Barcelona are keen on Nico Williams. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

However, this time out, the Barça chief opted to remain silent on the matter, stating that they respect Athletic Club.

“We respect Athletic a lot,” said Laporta to Que T’hi Jugues when asked about the interest in Nico Williams, refraining from commenting any further.

While Laporta might have opted to not dive deeper into the matter, Barcelona are confident of sealing the deal for Nico Williams in the coming weeks.

The Catalans are expected to start making their move now that the 22-year-old is done with his assignment at the UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain.

Meanwhile, Laporta also told reporters that he is “very happy for the Barça players” who have won the European Championship yesterday night, defeating England 2-1.

Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal walked away with the Young Player of the Year award at the Euros.