Barcelona Chief Delivers Stern Warning to Rising Stars Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal: "This Isn't a Club of Friends"

Barcelona's sporting director Deco has acknowledged the club's intention to pursue Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, while cautioning the Spanish international that his bond with Lamine Yamal must not become a source of disruption for either athlete.

Reports from earlier in the summer indicated that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had strong reservations about acquiring Williams, not due to doubts about his abilities but rather concerns that he might negatively impact Yamal's focus.

Despite these concerns, Barcelona has proceeded with their pursuit of Williams. The club has successfully negotiated personal terms with the player, who is now working to persuade Athletic to demonstrate flexibility regarding his buyout clause.

In an interview with La Vanguardia, Deco commended Williams's proactive approach to joining Barcelona this summer while emphasizing the expectations that would be placed upon the Spanish winger should he complete his move to Catalonia.

"We must bolster this area of the squad," he stated. "Our wing options are limited to Lamine and Raphinha, as Ferran [Torres] is transitioning more toward a striker role. Without Lamine or Raphinha available, our team's effectiveness diminishes. The candidates to reinforce this position are evaluated based on cost and ability.

"There are specific requirements for any player joining Barça: primarily, they must have faith in our vision. Nico wasn't secured last season, though I considered Dani Olmo's acquisition more urgent. Both Nico and other targets currently demonstrate eagerness to join us. If Nico's situation aligns properly, we'll make our attempt.

"Player acquisitions require following proper procedures. Initially, you engage with their representatives, then address contractual matters, and finally determine whether their club demands the full clause or remains open to discussions. With Nico's situation, it's straightforward: he has a release clause. We've consulted with his representative to understand the player's intentions, and we'll proceed based on feasibility."

When questioned specifically about whether Yamal's relationship with Williams influenced the decision to target the Athletic striker, Deco elaborated: "We consistently prioritize maintaining squad harmony; our dressing room atmosphere is excellent. We aim to preserve that environment. The crucial factor is that players like Nico or Luis [Díaz] and others genuinely desire to join us. They possess good character, ambition, and the drive to achieve continued success.

"Nico's name was already under consideration last season. We've maintained interest in him throughout. Their friendship is acceptable, but we won't label him simply as a friend. This institution isn't built on friendships; we're here to perform and pursue victories. If they maintain good relations, that's beneficial. The priority is ensuring they share our vision and understand our objectives clearly. Meeting these criteria will make him welcomed by everyone. Should we acquire a winger, no additional signings of this caliber will follow."

Barcelona's remaining task involves activating Williams's release clause, which including additional costs is believed to total €62 million ($71.4 million). The La Liga frontrunners remain confident about registering new acquisitions without complications, having already successfully added goalkeeper Joan García to their official roster.