In a hotly contested race for emerging talent, Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool have set their sights on Athletic Bilbao’s promising winger, Nico Williams, according to reports circulating in Spain.
The 21-year-old Spaniard has been making waves with his exceptional performances, notching up an impressive four assists in as many La Liga matches for Bilbao this season.
Williams’s stellar contributions are not a recent phenomenon, as he amassed a remarkable 15 goal involvements in 43 appearances across all competitions during the previous campaign.
His stellar form earned him a coveted spot in Spain’s national team in September 2022, and he has since made his mark with two goals in nine appearances for La Roja, including a standout performance in their 7-1 victory over Georgia during Euro 2024 qualifying.
Despite his young age, Williams has already displayed an aptitude for making crucial decisions regarding his career. Earlier this year, he reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Aston Villa, hinting at his ambition to compete at the highest level of English football, the Premier League.
Adding intrigue to the situation is the fact that Williams’s current contract with Athletic Bilbao is set to expire next summer. This has put the talented winger firmly on the radar of several top clubs, including Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, is said to be captivated by Williams’s potential and sees him as an ideal fit for the team, particularly as they seek a high-caliber right winger. The potential departure of Raphinha from the Nou Camp has intensified Barcelona’s interest in Williams.
Liverpool, on the other hand, is facing the possibility of losing their star winger, Mohamed Salah, who is reportedly tempted by lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. Jurgen Klopp views Nico Williams as an enticing prospect and sees the young Spaniard as a potential successor to Salah, should the Egyptian depart.
For Manchester United, the search for a standout right winger is driven by the uncertain situation surrounding Antony and the underwhelming performances of Jadon Sancho, who has also had public disagreements with manager Erik ten Hag. The report suggests that Ten Hag is eager to secure Williams’s services immediately, potentially in the upcoming January transfer window.
The upcoming months promise to be pivotal for Nico Williams, as clubs from England and Spain vie for his signature. His availability on a free transfer next summer adds an intriguing layer to the pursuit of this emerging talent, making him one of the most sought-after prospects in the market.
