Transfer News: "What Deco has done is beyond belief" - Athletic Club chief slams Barcelona over remarks about Nico Williams amid ongoing transfer saga

Former Athletic Club director Rafael Alkorta has questioned Barcelona sporting director Deco for how the Catalan club were pursuing the services of Nico Williams. The Spanish forward has been linked with a move to Barcelona following his impressive performances with the Basque club

Speaking in a recent interview with El Larguero (via BarcaUniversal), Alkorta criticized the Blaugrana's approach for Williams, saying:

“The situation is starting to wear thin. Last year they tried this and I didn’t get it then either. It was more like a case of ‘we want to, but we can’t’. But now, what Deco has done is beyond belief.

“Coming out and saying Nico wants to join Barcelona is wrong. He’s still an Athletic Club player, and he has a valid contract. What Deco did only makes it worse for everyone involved.”

Alkorta concluded, saying:

“If a club wants a player, pay the clause and move on. That’s the game. But what Barça are doing now is just not on.”

Nico Williams came through the Athletic Club youth ranks, and went on to score 31 goals and provide 30 assists in 167 appearances for the Basque side's senior squad. He also helped them to a Copa del Rey title. The 22-year-old's contract with the club runs until the summer of 2027.

Pep Guardiola urged to sign Barcelona goalkeeper

Former Germany international Lothar Matthaus has urged Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to sign Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from Barcelona. The German shot-stopper’s position at the Catalan club has been called into question following the signing of Joan Garcia from Espanyol.

Guardiola's City team are looking to rebuild after a disappointing campaign by their standards that saw them finish third in the Premier League table. Speaking on Sky Germany, Matthaus said (via Get Spanish Football News):

“I don’t know what Manchester City are planning, but I don’t think they’re very happy with Ederson. I think Ter Stegen could definitely be a goalkeeper for the Citizens for the next three or four years.”

Ter Stegen joined Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 for a reported €12 million. He has kept 175 clean sheets and conceded 416 goals in 422 appearances to help Blaugrana to six LaLigas, six Copa del Reys, four Spanish Super Cups, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Ter Stegen remains contracted to the Catalan giants until the summer of 2028 and recently returned to full fitness after missing most of the previous campaign through injury.

About the author

Patrick is a European and international football journalist at Sportskeeda covering news and transfer rumors. A Business Administration graduate with a professional experience of 10 years, one of his earliest childhood memories is watching Calabar Rovers play at the U.J. Esuene Stadium with his father, with whom, he connects with, discussing the beautiful game.

Patrick’s favorite team is Manchester United for their unparallelled legacy and success in the game. He is a big admirer of Michael Carrick and his ‘smooth’ style of play back in the days. His favorite manager is Jose Mourinho, who according to him, brought a ‘swagger’ to football with his unique managerial style. Robin van Persie’s title-winning volley against Aston Villa for the 2013 PL triumph is etched in his memory forever.

Patrick always uses trusted outlets that produce accurate, balanced and fair information, and which present multiple point of views. He believes in reporting in a holistic manner for the readers’ benefit. If he could change a football rule, he would increase the number of substitutions allowed due to the high number of games played these days, to reduce injuries and so that youngsters get to show their talent as well.

When not covering football, Patrick loves reading, writing poems and short stories, and spend time with his dog Lana.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava