In recent days, criticism has poured in from Bilbao toward FC Barcelona for its interest in Nico Williams.
The red-and-white club has tried to project an image of grievance. Almost as if Barça had crossed a red line by considering paying a release clause. Something that, let's not forget, is legally signed in the footballer's contract.
It was former goalkeeper Santi Cañizares who said what many were keeping quiet: what is Athletic complaining about if its recent history is full of identical operations?
Cañizares, speaking bluntly, has accused Athletic of applying a constant looting policy. Its victims: clubs like Osasuna, Alavés, or Real Sociedad.
He isn't wrong. If anyone has used the tactic of paying clauses to take other clubs' gems, it's precisely the club from San Mamés.
Two new signings from Real Sociedad
In case anyone still had doubts, Athletic has just announced two new signings from Real Sociedad, precisely its greatest historical rival. Two footballers who were part of the immediate future of the Donostia club and who will now wear the red-and-white jersey after the club paid their release clauses.
This kind of operation is repeated year after year. Athletic lives off what they criticize.
When Barça sets its sights on one of its players and considers paying a clause, then Bilbao erupts. They tear their clothes and begin speeches about identity, youth academy, and institutional respect.
The case of Nico Williams and selective outrage
FC Barcelona has finally distanced itself from the move for Nico Williams. Partly because of his price and partly because of the internal tensions his signing caused.
Athletic's public outrage doesn't disappear. On the contrary: a victim narrative continues to be fueled that doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
If we look back, there are the cases of Galarreta, Iñigo Martínez, or Moncayola. Before that, Loren, Etxeberria, Ríos, Javi and Iñigo Martínez, or Boiro. All of them arrived at Athletic by paying a clause or by pressuring until the player was released.
Now, two more pieces from Real Sociedad. Before, the departures were from Osasuna and Alavés. How many more have to fall before Bilbao tones it down?
Cañizares's lesson
Cañizares has made it clear: "Athletic does the same thing Barça would do, but in silence."
That's what stings. It's not the act itself, it's who does it.
If Barça does it, it's a national scandal. If Athletic does it, it's part of its "project."
Reality doesn't care about empty speeches. Athletic has shown, once again, that preaching is easy... when you're not the one putting the clause on the table.