Nico Williams' Brother Fires Back at "Disrespectful" Treatment of Barcelona's Top Target
Iñaki Williams has come forward to strongly support his younger sibling and fellow Athletic Club player Nico Williams through a forceful statement shared on social media platforms.
Supporters of Athletic Club, frustrated by Nico's lack of communication about the transfer rumors linking him with a potential summer move to Barcelona, recently expressed their anger by defacing a street art piece featuring both brothers located in Barakaldo, a city in the Basque region.
The portrait of the 22-year-old attacking midfielder was removed from the artwork and substituted with a direct statement reading, "Whether you leave or stay, you've lost our respect."
In reaction to this incident, the 31-year-old Ghanaian national team player posted his perspective on X, offering unwavering support for his sibling.
"Behind an anonymous lack of respect, there's always someone to small to show their face," the elder Williams sibling posted.
At the same time, Athletic Club issued an official declaration regarding the incident, condemning the action as contrary to their principles and clarifying that the vandals do not represent the organization.
This incident occurred shortly after reports emerged that personal terms had been agreed upon for the younger Williams to transfer to Barcelona. The only remaining step is for Barcelona to activate his buyout clause, which amounts to €62 million ($71.5 million) including inflation adjustments.
The Spanish national team player has clearly expressed his intention to join Barcelona. According to Mundo Deportivo, Nico remains resolute and is waiting for the Catalan club despite receiving a financial proposal from Bayern Munich that is "way superior than Barça's," along with a substantial contract extension offer from Athletic.
Barcelona's prolonged pursuit of Williams has frustrated Athletic Club to such an extent that they have attempted to have Barcelona sanctioned by La Liga due to their financial difficulties, which Barcelona president Joan Laporta has described as "inappropriate."
It remains uncertain whether Williams will achieve his goal of donning the Barcelona jersey alongside his Spain national team wing companion and friend Lamine Yamal in the 2025–26 season. What is clear is that this transfer story will continue to dominate sports news in the upcoming days and weeks.