Although Liverpool ended up solely signing Federico Chiesa final summer time, they did present curiosity in transfers for different gamers, together with Nico Williams.
From the skin trying in, Liverpool had a quiet summer time window as sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot settled into their new roles.
Nonetheless, behind the scenes, the membership have been lively in sounding out offers for gamers, one among whom was Athletic Bilbao’s Williams.
In line with dependable journalist David Ornstein of the Athletic, Liverpool “regarded into the viability of a deal final summer time” for Williams.
In fact, the transfer didn’t occur, which might have been partly right down to his £50 million launch clause that fluctuates with inflation.
Chelsea and Arsenal are additionally within the winger, reported Ornstein who added: “Mikel Arteta want to signal Williams on this window however the funds concerned make it extremely unlikely.”
With Williams not agitating to depart Athletic Membership in January, it might take a giant sum to drive a transfer from a membership that considers him a prized asset, particularly given their ‘Basque solely’ participant coverage.
Bilbao is a metropolis within the proud northern area, the Basque Nation. Solely gamers of the realm’s heritage or those that have come by an academy within the area are allowed to play for the membership.
Who’s Nico Williams?
To not be confused with brother and teammate Inaki Williams, Nico is a 22-year-old winger who signed a three-year contract extension, in December 2023, that would maintain him at Athletic Membership till 2027.
Without any consideration-footed, predominantly left-sided winger this season, a bid from Liverpool would seem to make little sense on the floor, given the Reds’ high quality in that place already.
Nonetheless, there’s extra to Williams’ recreation than simply being a winger who can lower inside onto his stronger foot.
Whereas he has tended to characteristic on the left this marketing campaign, throughout his younger profession the Spain worldwide has truly performed extra video games on the appropriate, showcasing his versatility which may very well be essential for an incoming Slot participant.
Initially from Pamplona, Williams got here by the Athletic Membership academy and made his debut as an 18-year-old below coach Marcelino.
Whereas he is named an especially gifted winger who can beat his man with ease, his objective tallies over the previous couple of years haven’t maybe been as excessive as followers would need from an attacking signing.
Final season, he netted eight objectives in 37 appearances, and this time round he has two objectives in 24 matches up to now.
He does, although, arrange tons. Throughout the 2023/24 season he managed 19 assists and he has 5 this marketing campaign.
As a teen, Williams nonetheless has loads of time to enhance in entrance of objective and he would little doubt deliver pleasure to Liverpool’s assault.
Nonetheless, except he have been to be seen as a long-term substitute for Salah, which is unlikely given his stronger proper foot, shopping for a extra pure striker is perhaps a greater use of Liverpool’s funds.
