Speaking at a press conference earlier today (h/t Mundo Deportivo), La Liga president Javier Tebas claimed that he was happy to see priority Barcelona target Nico Williams stay put at Athletic Club this past summer.
Nico was one of the Catalans’ main targets in the summer as they sought to reinforce the left flank with a marquee addition.
The club president Joan Laporta expressed immense confidence that they could pull off the signing despite the financial issues at the time.
Tebas himself had stated that Barcelona could be in a position to sign Nico or players of similar value with the work they were doing to improve their Fair Play situation.
In the end, however, nothing materialised as Barça had to give up their pursuit of Nico due to the lack of Fair Play margin, and the young speedster stayed put at Athletic Club.
When asked about Nico staying in La Liga beyond the summer, Tebas replied: “Nico and many more. Barcelona wanted him and it didn’t work out. I am very happy that he is still at Athletic.”
“I like the fact that they stay at clubs that are not one of the big two. It gives it that sense of belonging that some people have for their clubs. Nico owes Athletic for who he is.”
On being quizzed about his own statements about Barcelona being able to sign Nico, Tebas responded:
“I only said that if Barcelona reached the 1:1 rule, they could bring in a player of Nico Williams’ value, nothing more.”
Tebas also commented on Barcelona’s financial situation, with the club’s salary cap rising to €426 million from €204 million in February, and said that the Catalans are on the right track.
“In terms of finances, they have reduced the wage bill and have made very important efforts. They are getting better and better at knowing how the Financial Fair Play works,” said Tebas.
“They still have a long way to go to sort everything out, but a club with that level of turnover, if they reduce their expenses, they are on the right track.”
