Liverpool leads the race for Athletic Club’s Nico Williams as Barcelona, PSG, and others sweat over €58 million release clause – Reports

Nico Williams transfer: Athletic Club does not want to negotiate with FC Barcelona for the player

The Spain international winger Nico Williams has been the talk of the town lately after his consistent and scintillating performances in the ongoing UEFA Euro 2024 so far. As per the reports, the left winger is reportedly on the transfer shortlist of some of the biggest clubs in world football including names like Liverpool, FC Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

However, a recent report from ‘Daily Express’, signals that the 21-year-old might be on his way to the Premier League giants Liverpool as they are currently leading the race and are ahead of the other clubs in signing the player as of now. This report comes as a huge dent to the La Liga club FC Barcelona’s plans to acquire the talented Athletic Club’s winger this summer.

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Further reports from ‘SPORT’ have indicated that Athletic Club is not willing to have a negotiation with La Liga rivals Barca over Williams. The club is preferring a termination clause at this point in time. Also as per reports, there were rumors of Barcelona willing to pay the sum of money concerning the 21-year-old winger’s contract at his current club in installments. But, Athletic Club has reportedly repudiated to entertain any such idea.

Nico Williams’ release clause at Athletic Club hovers around a hefty mark of €58 million. It combined with his potential wages makes the deal a difficult one for Barca to pursue at the financial level at this stage. As far as Liverpool is concerned, their hierarchy might be tempted to bring the player to the Premier League, as from first looks, he does seem like a player ticking almost all the boxes to play and be effective at the top tier of English football.

PSG has been linked with the player, but no concrete reports have dwelled on any progression from their end in pursuing their interest in the Spanish winger so far. Several other clubs like – Man United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Arsenal are also reported to be interested parties in the Nico Williams transfer saga.

Nico Williams in the 2023-2024 La Liga season for Athletic Club

Nico Williams joined the La Liga side Athletic Club in July 2021. His current contract with the club darts till June 2027. After his impressive performances with the club, he went on to make his international debut for his country Spain in September 2022.

Slowly and steadily, the winger has become one of the x-factors in Athletic Club’s on-field performances. Apart from his sheer injection of pace, he possesses the required game awareness as well. In his 31 appearances in the 2023-24 La Liga campaign, he had 19 goal contributions (5 goals and 14 assists) to his name. In the Euro 2024, Williams has one goal and one assist for Spain in his three outings till now.

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