By Jamie Spencer Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reported to have taken control of the club’s pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, refusing to accept defeat in the transfer saga. Williams had been Barcelona’s primary summer target, having performed consistently well in La Liga since 2022 and coming to international prominence with Spain at Euro 2024. The 22-year-old has a €58m release clause in his Athletic Club contract but resisted Barca’s advances. Having made a decision to stay, it was thought only a late U-turn would see Williams playing his football anywhere but in the red …