Liverpool are reportedly among four Premier League clubs eyeing up a potential swoop for a lightning-quick winger who could be available on a free transfer next year.
According to 90min, the Reds are joined by Aston Villa, Arsenal and Tottenham in showing an interest in Nico Williams, whose contract at Athletic Bilbao expires in June 2024, with no sign of him extending that deal as of yet.
The LaLiga club are reportedly confident that the 21-year-old will eventually agree to stay put before he becomes a free agent in eight months’ time, but so long as the two parties are at an impasse, prospective suitors are set to continue circling for the Spain international.
Capable of playing on either flank in a front three, Williams is renowned for his searing pace, having recorded the second-fastest sprint speed at last year’s World Cup when he was clocked at 35.59 km/hr (Sportskeeda).
He’s already surpassed 100 senior appearances between club and international level, scoring 14 goals (Transfermarkt), while his teammate and older brother Inaki spoke of how the 21-year-old is in ‘incredible shape’ (Sports World Ghana).
Liverpool are currently blessed with an abundance of riches in attack, although they might see tremendous value in a potential swoop for the Spain winger.
To get a player valued at €80m (£69.6m) by CIES Football Observatory for free would be a magnificent coup, while the Reds could offer him a substantial increase on his current weekly wage of £58.5k and still comfortably keep it within their existing pay structure (Capology).
Expect the Anfield hierarchy to keep a close watch on what happens with Williams’ contract situation in Bilbao – this has the potential to be an extremely shrewd pickup if he ultimately becomes available on a free transfer.
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