Liverpool snubs Athletic star in summer transfer shocker

Liverpool have decided against signing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams amid their search for a wide attacker this summer

Liverpool wants a wide attacker during the summer transfer window but Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is not a target. Despite the persistent rumours linking the Reds with Williams, they are still assessing the available options in the transfer market.

Williams is currently representing Spain in the Euro 2024 tournament and delivered fantastic performances in the group stages until now. The 21-year-old’s pace, physical prowess and dribbling skills earned him a lot of praise, particularly in the victory over Italy.

The Spain international has a fantastic end product alongside his skills in possession to deliver productivity for his team. However, the gain in Williams’ reputation will attract interest from several top clubs and increase his price tag even further.

The Spanish international made 37 appearances in all competitions last season for Athletic, contributing eight goals and providing 19 assists. According to the Athletic, Liverpool wants a wide forward but Williams is not their target for this summer.

The Reds have Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz as sufficient left wide forwards where Williams prefers to play regularly. They want a forward who could compete with Mohamed Salah and eventually replace the Egypt captain under Arne Slot.

Slot’s tactical style of play is vastly different from the style that legendary manager Jurgen Klopp deployed at Liverpool. The Dutchman prefers a more buildup approach rather than the direct play and counter-attacking football that Klopp used.

Liverpool needs a wide attacker who could fit the criteria of Slot’s tactical style and natural as a right-winger. The Reds are also planning to add a centre-back or a defensive midfielder during the summer to bolster their squad.

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We think the defensive midfield should be Liverpool’s priority as that position lacks sufficient depth and an upgrade for Wataru Endo would benefit the squad. While the attacking department did struggle last season due to poor finishing, the Reds have sufficient options who could improve further.