Liverpool show interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams
Liverpool and Aston Villa are showing an interest in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, according to reports from AS via ECHO. The 20-year-old attacker has a release clause of £44m, but the Spanish club wants to keep him and extend his contract. Williams’ potential and interest from other clubs will certainly draw out talks from interested parties.
While his contract expires in 2024 (Transfermarkt), the idea of luring him away from the club is not as simple as it sounds. His elder brother Inaki Williams, who is also his club captain, is a one-club man, and Nico could want to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
The fact that apart from Mohamed Salah, the club has no other right-back to back the Egyptian up might be a reason why the club could want someone young like Williams to play in that role. The club gives young players a lot of chances to shine and Williams could benefit from that.
However, Liverpool may face competition from Aston Villa for Williams’ signature. The Midlanders are also interested in the youngster and could provide him with more playing time than Liverpool. Williams would have to weigh his options carefully before making a decision.
Liverpool need a new right-winger
Williams has shown great potential in his time at Athletic. He is a versatile attacker who can play on either wing or as a striker. His pace and dribbling ability certainly makes him a threat to opposing defences. In 73 appearances across all competitions, he has 10 goals and seven assists to his name.
Liverpool’s interest in Williams could indicate that they are looking to rebuild their squad after a disappointing season. The Reds are currently eighth in the Premier League and face a tough task to qualify for the Champions League.
If Liverpool want to sign Williams, they obviously have to pay his £44m release clause. The club has been reluctant to spend big in recent transfer windows, but they may have to if they want to secure the talented attacker. However, Athletic Bilbao are unlikely to sell a young talent and will look to tie him down to a new contract.
And also, as mentioned earlier, although the chance to play for Liverpool could be too good to turn down, Williams may be hesitant to leave his boyhood club, where he has spent his entire career, and may be reluctant to move to a new country and culture.
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In conclusion, Williams’ potential and versatility make him an attractive proposition for Premier League clubs, as shown by Liverpool’s interest in him. However, negotiations with Athletic Bilbao, where he is highly rated, are unlikely to be easy as the Spanish club is reluctant to sell.
