According to the Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Manchester United and Liverpool are engaged in negotiations over a deal to capture Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao.
The 21-year-old earned his senior debut back in 2021 after progressing through The Lions’ youth program, and in more recent years, he has been an essential member of the first eleven of the Spanish club.
However, given he has entered the final year of his current contract and has not yet decided to sign an extension, the young player’s long-term future at the Estadio San Mamés is currently in doubt.
If the Spaniard doesn’t commit his future to Ernesto Valverde’s team over the next few months, it appears that Manchester United and Liverpool may attempt to take advantage of this position and sign him for nothing next summer or at a steep discount in January.
In light of the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Antony and Jadon Sancho, Man Utd is reportedly considering a move for Williams and plans to improve their right-wing position.
Battle
According to the source, Man Utd won’t have an easy time signing the Spaniard because Liverpool is also interested in using Williams as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
The 21-year-old is Inaki Williams’ younger brother and an Athletic Bilbao player. Williams is a versatile forward who can play on either flank, is quick and technically sound, has the ability to dribble past defenders on the other team in confined spaces, can open up opportunities for other attackers, and is efficient at converting those opportunities.
The kid is highly rated in La Liga and has already made a name for himself as a regular player for Spain. He is a very gifted forward who, if signed by Liverpool or Manchester United, would strengthen their respective offenses.
In the event that Man Utd and Liverpool compete with one another for William during the forthcoming transfer window, it would be intriguing to watch who ultimately succeeds in acquiring the player, who is estimated to be worth roughly £26 million by Transfermarkt.