Nico Williams has decided to stay at Athletic Bilbao next season amid interest from Liverpool and Barcelona during this summer window
Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams has decided to stay put until the end of next season amid interest from Liverpool. The 22-year-old’s heroic performances throughout the Euro 2024 competition helped Spain secure the trophy and raised his stock even further.
Top Premier League clubs like Aston Villa and Arsenal who will play in the Champions League next season wanted him. However, the Spaniard has opted to stay loyal to his current club after signing a new contract last December.
Williams’ trickery, dominance in the wide position and ability to deliver with technique and strong end-product are his key features. The 22-year-old scored the opening goal in the Euro 2024 final against England, highlighting his impressive contribution during the campaign.
Spanish publication Marca (via Liverpool Echo) reported that Williams has decided to stay at Bilbao for another season. New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is assessing the squad with the potential of signing an attacker on the cards.
The Reds’ attacking department faced a combined dip in form during the latter stage of last season which proved costly. Liverpool wants to avoid the repeat of the same situation next season as Slot begins a new era at Anfield.
Nevertheless, Williams’ announcement could also have a domino effect on Liverpool with Barcelona involved in the saga since the beginning. The Spanish giant are adamant about adding a left winger with Williams and Luis Diaz as top targets for them.
With Williams to stay at Bilbao, Barcelona could opt to pursue Diaz with more conviction, directly resulting in potential changes at Liverpool. The Reds have Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez who can play as the left-attacking wingers. However, they lack a similar depth on the right side with Mohamed Salah as the only natural right-wing option.
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Nevertheless, Liverpool’s attacking department has players versatile enough to shuffle the positions among themselves according to the tactical requirements. Williams’ decision also diminishes the available options as we near August when things could start to happen quickly in the transfer market.
