Former Barcelona director Freixa: ‘We’ll set up donation tables to sign Nico Williams’

Toni Freixa Slams “Systematic Campaign” Against Barcelona Amid Transfer Criticism

Former Barcelona director Toni Freixa has come out swinging in defense of the club, claiming there is an orchestrated effort to damage its reputation—especially during transfer windows. Speaking on El Partidazo de COPE, Freixa took aim at the media, accusing them of fueling a misleading narrative.

“The signings must be done by a mentalist, right?” he said sarcastically. “No conversations, no meetings, no leaks—just focus and boom, the deal is done. Tell me, Juanma, which transfer works like that? Journalists know everything. I don’t get the outrage.”

According to Freixa, the criticism of Barcelona’s transfer dealings is part of a broader, intentional smear campaign:

“There’s a narrative — one designed to slander and discredit Barça at every opportunity.”

When asked about the club’s rumored pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, Freixa responded with biting irony:

“Are we interested in Nico Williams? If we can raise the funds… I think we’ve set up donation boxes around Barcelona so people can drop in some coins to help.”

Despite financial concerns, Freixa insisted the player himself is eager to join:

“There is genuine interest — not just from Barça, but especially from Nico. His agent contacted the club and made it clear that wearing the Barça shirt is his dream.”

He also criticized the inconsistent media narrative:

“Once we activate the release clause, they’ll say we don’t meet the 1:1 rule. Then, once he’s registered, the story will shift again — maybe we got preferential treatment. It never ends.”

Freixa suggested that if La Liga tries to block a transfer — as seen in past cases like Dani Olmo or Pau Victor — legal action would again be appropriate:

“If La Liga refuses to register a player, in a country governed by law, we turn to the administrative courts. The law is applied, and Barça is granted its rights.”

He ended with a pointed observation:

“This anti-Barça narrative won’t stop. That’s the real problem here.”