Former Barcelona President Criticizes Current Management for Failing to Sign Williams
July 8, 2025149 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart, who led the club between 2000 and 2003, criticized the current management and Portuguese sporting director Deco for failing to sign Nico Williams, a player from Athletic Bilbao, who chose to renew his contract with his club.
Spanish international winger Williams will remain with his team Athletic Bilbao, after the Basque club announced the renewal of his contract until June 30, 2035, as reported on Friday.
Gaspart said in statements quoted by the newspaper "Marca": Nico Williams is a great player, but now the problem is no longer about Barcelona. I am sure there are a thousand players in the world better than him.
He added: Bilbao now faces two problems after renewing the player's contract. First, when the rest of the players discover that they receive half, or even a quarter, of what Nico gets, it will not be acceptable to them. And second, if Nico does not score 50 goals, the fans will start booing him.
Gaspart blamed Barcelona's management in part, criticizing what he described as a "lack of passion" in negotiating with the player, and said: Barcelona is a club driven by passion. Passion cannot be bought, but is born in those who love the club. I am not criticizing Deco, but the one who signed with Hansi Flick was Laporta, not the sporting director.
He continued: I signed players like Maradona, Rivaldo, ZubiZarreta, and Bakero. Once the coach tells you who he wants, it is the turn of passion to convince the player. You have to look into his eyes, go to him, and chase him.
