European heavyweights Barcelona and Liverpool reach out to Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams’s agent, Felix Tainta
According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo (h/t the Liverpool Echo), elite clubs like Barcelona and Liverpool have shown interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams this summer.
The Reds have already made inquiries about the former Osasuna star, whose contract includes a release clause of €50 million. Additionally, it has been suggested that the current La Liga champions, Barcelona, have reached out to the player’s agent, Felix Tainta.
The 21-year-old is the younger sibling of Inaki Williams, an experienced player for Athletic Club. Unlike his brother, who represents Ghana, the youngster has opted to play for Spain. He has also established himself as a regular player for the La Liga side and the Spanish national team over the past year.
Williams is regarded as one of the top young attackers in his country, and his reputation has been steadily growing. He has made an impressive start by providing four assists in as many games in the early stages of the 2023-24 season. His development has not gone unnoticed by top clubs like Barcelona and Liverpool.
The Reds have been keeping tabs on the player for a while, and the uncertainties surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future might push the Reds to intensify their interest in Williams. Moreover, given that the attacker has a low release clause, Jurgen Klopp’s side should find him affordable.
The versatile La Liga star offers the flexibility to play on the left flank despite being naturally right-footed. This quality makes Williams an appealing prospect for the Anfield side. However, they are in a competitive race with the Blaugrana for the signature of this promising Athletic Club player.
Xavi’s team, much like Liverpool, has been closely observing the winger’s development for a long time. Given the uncertainty surrounding Ansu Fati’s status at the club, they are considering the need to explore the transfer market for a wide attacker, even with the emergence of Lamine Yamal.
The Reds may need to find a replacement for Salah in the coming transfer window, and Williams seems to fit the profile. The talented player possesses the speed and ability to create and score goals, which aligns with the requirements for a like-to-like replacement.
Given the uncertain situation surrounding the Egyptian star, it’s logical for the club to explore potential replacements. The Bilbao winger has demonstrated his potential both for club and country, showcasing his development as a promising international player.
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For Liverpool, the key to eventually replacing their prised asset lies in finding players who possess some of his skillset while also being young enough to continue progressing and evolving.
Although it’s too early and rather unfair to compare Salah to the Bilbao youngster, it would be safe to say that the talented attacker has the potential to be a quality player in the future.
