Barcelona winger Raphinha has expressed his discontent over social media posts that featured his number 11 shirt with the name of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. The Brazilian player described the act as “very disrespectful” and emphasised the importance of respecting current team members.
Background on the Incident
The incident comes amidst ongoing speculation regarding Nico Williams and his potential move to Barcelona. Despite the club’s interest, as confirmed by La Liga President, Barcelona’s bid for the young Spanish forward was unsuccessful. This has not stopped fans from speculating and making jokes about potential transfers, as evidenced by the social media posts that Raphinha found offensive.
Raphinha’s Reaction
Raphinha, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United, is known for his dynamic playing style and ability to operate effectively on the wing. He took to social media to voice his displeasure, stating that the posts were in “bad taste” and underscored the need for respect towards players currently at the club.
Speculation Surrounding Nico Williams
The speculation around Nico Williams has been a topic of discussion for some time. Barcelona’s Director Deco previously addressed the rumours, and there have been multiple reports about the club’s interest in the player. Despite this, Barcelona decided against signing Williams, opting instead to pursue other targets like Dani Olmo.
The situation highlights the challenges players face with social media and the impact of transfer speculation on team dynamics.