Deco Says Agent Initiated Nico Williams Talks, Barcelona Walked Away Over Contract Demands
Deco attributes the collapse to contractual demands from the player’s camp rather than registration guarantees.
Overview
- Barcelona’s sporting director says Williams’ agent approached the club, prompting exploratory talks during the summer window.
- Deco states Barcelona set non‑negotiable club conditions, refused restrictions proposed by the player’s camp, and imposed a deadline that went unanswered.
- He insists the failure was not related to LaLiga registration assurances, countering weeks of speculation about the club’s compliance hurdles.
- Nico Williams has since committed his future to Athletic Club, signing a long‑term extension in Bilbao.
- Deco notes Barcelona were weighing other forwards, with pursuits of Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford proving complex, and says Williams was not the exact profile sought despite his ability to play on both wings.