Athletic Bilbao captain Inaki Williams has accused Barcelona of employing a 'dirty' media campaign in their failed attempt to sign his brother Nico Williams this summer. The Spain international ultimately signed a new ten-year contract with the Basque club, but the saga has left a bitter taste.
Speaking publicly for the first time, Inaki Williams claimed much of the coverage surrounding his brother's potential move was fabricated. 'They have carried out a media campaign, thinking it would work for them. They have dirtied many things,' he said. The Athletic captain added that the situation had been 'complicated' for his family, with some Athletic supporters even breaking one of Nico's car windows.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta had previously stated that the club withdrew from the race due to a 'big difference' in payment terms and agent commission. However, Inaki Williams insisted that 'much of what has been said about Nico is a lie' and that his brother had multiple options, not just Barcelona or staying at Athletic.
Following the collapse of the Nico Williams deal, Barcelona shifted their focus to a loan move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, with an obligation to buy next summer. They had also been interested in Luis Diaz before he joined Bayern Munich from Liverpool.
Nico Williams, 22, has committed his long-term future to Athletic Bilbao, a decision his brother praised as mature. 'My brother's decision wasn't easy. Nico's maturity has been incredible, with a wide range of options, and he's opted for Athletic,' Inaki said.
