LaLiga side Athletic Club have issued a strong statement after fans defaced a mural featuring Barcelona-linked Nico Williams. The 22-year-old looks set to join Barcelona this summer and has reportedly agreed on personal terms with the Catalan giants.
A group of Athletic Club fans reportedly defaced a mural of Nico Williams in Barakaldo, a municipality located in the Basque Country. Nico’s face was erased from the image with fans also writing a strong message next to it, which read:
Now, Athletic Club have released a statement condemning the fans’ for their act and defended Nico Williams. The club urged the fans to respect the 22-year-old who has come through their youth ranks and has been an important player in recent years. The statement read, as per Barca Blaugranes:
Athletic Club added in their statement:
The statement concluded:
Nico Williams has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona since last summer although the Catalan giants couldn’t afford his fee then. They are expected to trigger his €62 million release clause soon with the player having already agreed personal terms as per reports.
The Barcelona target came through Athletic Club’s youth system and has made 167 appearances for the club till date. He has 31 goals and 30 assists for the club helping them win the Copa del Rey in 2023-24.
Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as the long-term replacement of Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski is at the twilight of his career and his current deal at Camp Nou expires next summer.
As reported by Diario SPORT via Barca Universal, Barcelona are eyeing a move for Alvarez in 2026. Lewandowski is expected to stay at Camp Nou this season but could be on his way out when his contract expires.
Lewandowski has been fantastic for Barcelona since joining them in 2022 from Bayern Munich. He has 101 goals and 20 assists in 147 appearances for the Blaugrana and has won five trophies during his time at the club.
Alvarez, on the other hand, joined Atletico Madrid in 2024 in a deal worth a reported €95 million from Manchester City. He scored 29 times and produced seven assists in 56 games across competitions for Diego Simeone’s side in his first season.
Snehanjan developed an interest in football at a very young age, thanks to his father watching football on TV. His favorite player is club legend Steven Gerrard and his favorite manager is another legend in Jurgen Klopp. The ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ i.e., Liverpool beating AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final left an indelible mark on him. He believes that Liverpool is a family unlike other top clubs, which sets them apart.
Snehanjan also follows Indian Super League and the I-League, although the latter is closer to his heart. If he could change a rule in football, it would be VAR not pointing out mistakes of on-field officials unless they are clear and obvious errors. Outside the football world, Snehanjan likes to explore the various genres of music and watch movies and shows on OTT. He’s also a car enthusiast and likes to follow the automobile world.
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