Nico Williams to be booed in Camp Nou.
As Barcelona prepares for their Camp Nou return on Saturday, the atmosphere in the stadium is set to be less than welcoming for Nico Williams, who visits with Athletic Club amid widespread reports of planned fan protests and booing.
The expected frosty reception stems from the young Spanish international’s decision to twice reject the Catalan giants, most recently in the summer, opting instead to sign a long-term contract with his boyhood club.
Nico Williams held no prisoners
Not for the first time, Nico Williams rejected the chance to join the Catalan giants after making it seem that it was going to be a done deal.
His rejection was deeply personal to the Blaugrana faithful, especially after he affirmed his loyalty to Athletic in his renewal video, stating, ‘What weighs more is the heart.’
According to reports, the breakdown in negotiations was heavily influenced by Barcelona’s ongoing financial difficulties under LaLiga’s rules.
Nico Williams’ camp reportedly sought a clause that would allow him to leave for free if the club could not guarantee his registration, a clause the club refused to include.
The winger, who has previously faced whistles at Montjuïc, remains unfazed. He has previously commented that such treatment is “the essence of football, provided no insults are involved.
His steadfast commitment to Athletic Club, where his new contract reportedly runs until 2035 with a release clause of nearly €100 million, stands as a powerful statement against the perceived entitlement of major European clubs.
For Nico, the decision was pragmatic and emotional; for Barcelona fans, it feels like a snub that they are unwilling to forgive. But for the latter, they need to be told that they have no right at all to feel offended.
Barcelona moved on in style, and the fans should
Barcelona moved on swiftly from the summer’s Nico Williams saga, securing Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United instead. The club’s strong start to the season, coinciding with Rashford becoming their most productive player, clearly shows the decision was correct.
In addition, if Barça decides to strike a deal with Manchester United and activates the buy option for the Mancunian, the fee will be around £40 million less than the cost of purchasing Williams from Athletic Club.
Given this financial and sporting success, the bitterness expected at Camp Nou is misplaced.
The club appeared to have a better alternative than Nico, who has spent most of the time this season sidelined by injuries, and Cules should now embrace the forward movement and focus on in-field dramas.
No matter what happens in the Camp Nou on Saturday evening, it wouldn’t change the fact that Nico Williams rejected, but booing will only highlight the fans’ entitled attitude, and undermine the impacts of Marcus Rashford in the team.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
