Barcelona president Joan Laporta's strategy played a role in the rejection of Nico Williams
Barcelona are currently looking at options of late to strengthen their squad, and it seems they are still open to signing a left winger this summer, with Juventus' Federico Chiesa the latest to be linked. Of course, his original purpose was Nico Williams.
The Athletic Club winger has decided to stay in Bilbao for at least one more season, after several weeks of intense speculation. That includes the president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, who came out and publicly stated that Barcelona was in a position to sign him financially.
The main reason he decided to stay at Athletic is that his close circle advised him that it was the best option, and he was attracted by the dream of playing in Europe with Los Leones. They compete in the Europa League, with the final in San Mames next May. Equally, he also feels that Ernesto Valverde is a manager who gets the best out of him.
Flick always counts on Ansu Fati. @sergidejuan9
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One of the secondary reasons was the public persecution from Barcelonasay AS Diary. The constant leakage of every step of the agreement, the public pressure, and the lack of guarantee that Barcelona could register quickly, all play their part. The Williams camp was not sure that Williams would not end up in a situation like Dani Olmo, where he made the move but cannot play. Some of the leaks were not faithful to the truth.
Amidst the constant rumours, his teammates at the Athletic Club reacted to defend him in the media and try to protect him. Those doubts of Williams were helped by Laporta's presidential rival, Victor Font, who claimed that Barcelona could not do a deal for the 22-year-old as things stood.
As was proven by the Olmo situation, Font was correct. The concern for Barcelona fans now will be that even with the signing of Dani Olmo, Barcelona will try to save face with another flashy sign, one that has not been properly considered and identified as the right move.
