Fallout from Nico Williams saga continues as Barcelona snubbed by Athletic Club officials

This summer, tensions between Barcelona and Athletic Club raised to fever-pitch levels due to the Nico Williams saga. The Catalans tried desperately to sign the 22-year-old winger, but their efforts ended in vain as he is set to remain in Bilbao for at least another 12 months.

Athletic officials were not happy with Barcelona’s efforts, and the constant media pressure on Williams. They threatened to pursue legal action if the deal moved forward, and all of this combined has led to a bitter atmosphere between the two clubs ahead of their meeting at the Estadi Olimpic on Saturday evening.

It’s tradition for club directors to meet for lunch pre-match, but on this occasion, no such event will take place. That’s because Athletic have turned down the invitation from Barcelona, as reported by El Correo. The directors will head directly to the match from the Basque Country, with MD reporting that the reason for the snub is due to the ongoing celebrations of Aste Nagusia.

It’s clear that relations – especially from Athletic Club’s standpoint – are at an all-time low, and they aren’t likely to improve any time soon. The same situation could even arise next summer if Barcelona decide to re-ignite their interest in Williams.