Athletic Bilbao are unhappy with the Spanish Football Federation’s handling of Nico Williams’ future amid links to Barcelona.

Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte has said in a statement that. He is unhappy with the way the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has failed to protect 21-year-old forward Nico Williams. Who was questioned about his future during Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign. UFABET  Marca reported on Thursday.

Nico had linked with a move to Barcelona and a number of other clubs. Before Barca president Joan Laporta confirmed to the media that. The Blaugrana were willing to pay the player’s €58m release clause. And the 21-year-old forward was frequently quizzed on him during his Euro 2024 press conference. With Athletic Bilbao unhappy with the RFEF’s handling of the player’s lack of protection.

And:

‘Nico, a footballer with a great commitment to Athletic Club has had his future questioned in an excessive and uncontrollable manner. With his focus on the Euros. the Spanish Football Federation not knowing what to do to protect him.’

‘Respect for all the players that make up the foundation of football. Or that’s how we’ve come up with it at Athletic Club. Where there’s no formula for players who are contract to other clubs to be pressured by the public to try to sign with them.’

‘Athletes aspire to the highest without limits. We are showing that we have an interesting and successful project for our footballers and coaches. Proof of this is that we have recently extended the contracts of two national players Unai Simon (2029) and Dani Bebian (2031).

As are many players such as Oian Sancet, Benjat Prados, Julen Akirrezabala and Aitor Paderes for example.’

‘Athletic Club has the economic, social and sporting capacity to retain players. Who meet the criteria set out in the structure, including Nico Williams.’ the Bilbao president said in a statement.