Liverpool and Juventus show interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams
According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool and Juventus see themselves linked with a move for 20-year-old Spanish winger Nico Williams. The Spanish international is currently on World Cup duty and featured in Luis Enrique’s side’s 1-1 draw to Germany last night (27 November).
Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp is apparently a big fan of the player, and at his request, the scouts at Anfield are monitoring Williams’ situation at Athletic Bilbao. In 57 appearances across all competitions, the player has seven goals and five assists.
The right-sided winger is an integral part of Ernesto Valverde’s side at Bilbao and ever since his breakthrough last season, Williams has been extremely impressive. His older brother Inaki is currently Bilbao’s captain, and the pair both rose together at the club’s youth levels.
The player has a contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt) and will be available at a cheaper price from next summer as he would be entering the final 12 months of his contract. However, the question of whether Liverpool need his services or not rises.
Nico to the Reds?
The Reds possess enough firepower in the offensive aspect. Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are more than capable. Moreover, Harvey Elliott will slowly but surely transition into his natural role as a right-winger.
That leaves practically no space for the accommodation of Nico in the team. For any player as talented as Williams and the trajectory of growth he seems to show so far, a place on the bench does not make justice to the player.
Liverpool fans see the need for a midfielder since Giorginio Wijnaldu’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He has changed his club and is playing for AS Roma this season but the Reds are arguably yet to replace him.
That just showcases how lax our board has been with recruitment in midfield since then, with Arthur’s loan move not coming until Jordan Henderson’s injury against Newcastle United in our 2-1 win in August. Hopefully, the recruitment team at the club decides and signs an established midfielder or two as early as the January window.
More Liverpool Transfer News
- Florian Plettenberg’s update on Konrad Laimer offers Liverpool hope
- Mason Mount contract talks to re-open with Chelsea amid Liverpool links
- Liverpool and Manchester City in race for Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini
On a personal level, most fans would agree that signing a midfielder should be the Reds’ top priority in the upcoming transfer window. If all goes well, the Reds could possibly sign the likes of Jude Bellingham or Konrad Laimer and refresh Liverpool’s midfield which needs an overhaul.
