Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde has reaffirmed his belief in the commitment of Spain star Nico Williams to the club, particularly in the face of interest from Barcelona. Despite reports linking Williams to the Catalan giants, Valverde remains confident that the 22-year-old winger is content at Athletic.
Nico Williams recently earned a place in the Team of the Tournament as Spain emerged victorious at the European Championship. ESPN had previously suggested that Barcelona considered Williams their primary target as they sought to bolster their attacking options, specifically on the left side.
Contract Extension
In December, Williams signed a new contract with Athletic Club that ties him to the team until 2027. The agreement includes a release clause set at €58 million ($63m). Valverde believes that this contract will deter any potential suitors, including Premier League clubs that have also shown interest in the player.
Valverde’s Optimism
During a recent press conference, Valverde expressed his optimism regarding Williams’ future with the Basque side. He stated, “We are counting on Nico to return to training in August. He’s happy with us and we are happy with him. We want the best players.”
Barcelona’s Interest
Since the appointment of Hansi Flick as Barcelona’s new coach, Nico Williams has emerged as their top target to strengthen their forward line. However, Barcelona currently faces limitations in registering new signings due to exceeding their spending limit imposed by LaLiga.
President Joan Laporta and LaLiga chief Javier Tebas have expressed hope that Barcelona will soon be able to invest in the squad, but it hinges on either player sales or new revenue streams. Winning the Copa del Rey, securing European qualification, and Williams’ success with Spain are all factors that could influence his decision to stay at Athletic.
Valverde reiterated his commitment to retaining the club’s top talent, including Williams, his brother Iñaki, and Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón. Despite the persistent questions about Williams’ future, Valverde remains steadfast in his belief that the player is content at Athletic Club and committed to the team’s success.
Athletic Club’s coach Ernesto Valverde’s confidence in Nico Williams’ loyalty to the club amidst Barcelona’s interest highlights the significance of player commitment and club loyalty in the world of football. Valverde’s stance on the matter underscores the importance of nurturing and retaining top talent within the team, despite external interest and financial considerations. As the new season approaches, Williams’ dedication to Athletic Club will be a crucial factor in the team’s success and competitiveness in various competitions.
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