Rafa Yuste on Nico Williams: “Bilbao is using emotional pressure on their fans, but I don’t believe that approach will bring anyone true happiness.”
Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste has weighed in on the ongoing transfer saga involving Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, suggesting that the Basque club is relying heavily on emotional appeals to sway their supporters. Yuste implied that such tactics may not serve the best interests of the player or the fans in the long run.
Here’s the story of Rafa Yuste’s latest comments about Nico Williams:
Barcelona’s vice president of sports, Rafa Yuste, has publicly criticized Athletic Bilbao’s handling of Nico Williams’ transfer talks—and the broader atmosphere surrounding the player.
- At the Spanish Football Federation assembly, Yuste referred to Athletic as “Bilbao” and urged them to “destensar,” calling out the club for applying “emotional pressure” on both the player and its fans, which he believes “will not bring any happiness” (as.com).
- He acknowledged that Athletic supporters are “intelligent” and understand that if a player wants to leave, he will—but he emphasized that pushing fans emotionally won’t lead to positive outcomes (as.com).
- Yuste also criticized Athletic’s decision to involve LaLiga in Barcelona’s finances, remarking that such matters should remain internal to clubs (as.com).
Meanwhile, Athletic have fired back publicly:
- They’re upset not by Barcelona’s interest, but by what they view as poor handling—leakage of information, public statements by Deco, and pressure tactics that undermine negotiation norms (cadenaser.com).
- Former Athletic player Rafa Alkorta called Barça’s conduct “with little tact” and “incredibly insensitive,” lamenting Deco’s decision to reveal Nico’s desire to move—it put the player in a difficult spot during his summer holiday (cadenaser.com).
- Athletic’s hierarchy, including president Jon Uriarte, have reportedly escalated the dispute by notifying RFEF and LaLiga about Barcelona’s approach, and hint they may take further measures to defend the club’s position (as.com).
In summary, Yuste warns that Bilbao’s emotional campaign won’t help anyone, Athletic respond by accusing Barça of clumsy, public pressure tactics, and the conflict is escalating at institutional level.
Let me know if you’d like more context or analysis on this saga.
