Was Hansi Flick trying to tap up Nico Williams? Barcelona coach reveals what he said to Athletic Club star as he hugged him after La Liga clash

Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski were on target as the Catalan giants edged out Athletic Club 2-1 to register back-to-back wins at the start of the new season. After the game, manager Flick was spotted hugging Athletic Club star Williams - which fuelled fresh speculation regarding a possible move for the 22-year-old winger.

Williams, who played an important role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, was strongly linked with a move to the Blaugrana earlier in the summer, however, Athletic Club remained firm on their stance that the young forward was not for sale. While Flick hugging the player raised several eyebrows, the German manager later revealed that it was just congratulatory.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Flick said: "My hug for Nico Williams? I just congratulated him on the Euros. I don't like to talk about rivals."

The Catalan club, who are hoping to wrestle a domestic crown away from arch-rivals Real Madrid in the 2024-25 campaign, will be back in action during midweek as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday in La Liga.