This past summer, Nico Williams of Athletic Club was the subject of transfer speculation, with top clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain all showing interest.
Following an impressive 2023-24 season, where he made 37 appearances and helped Athletic Club secure the 2024 Copa del Rey, Williams also played a crucial role in Spain’s successful campaign at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.
This season, Williams has scored two goals and provided five assists in 22 appearances across all competitions for Athletic Club. The Athletic recently reported that Williams is growing more interested in the idea of moving abroad.
Barcelona are aware of the terms of any potential deal, but it will be up to Williams to take the next steps. Meanwhile, Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all considering him as an option for next summer.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping an eye on his progress, with PSG having made contact with his representatives last summer.
PSG look to take transfer lead for Nico Williams
Fichajes reported on Saturday that the Ligue 1 side are poised to activate the €58 million release clause to secure Williams from Athletic Club. The report doesn’t reveal when this will happen, but it’s likely that a switch will come in the summer.
Nonetheless, veteran manager José Mourinho spoke with the media earlier this month before Fenerbahçe faced Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League and was asked about Williams, to which he revealed that the player has the potential to play for Real Madrid.
“Nico is one of a kind,” Mourinho said. “He’s an amazing player. During the Euro Cup, people were talking about Lamine Yamal, who is obviously another incredible talent, but personally, I prefer Nico. He’s a fantastic player. I just can’t imagine a Turkish club signing him. I really hope he ends up in white.”
