Spanish forward Inaki Williams has revealed that Manchester United contacted him before their failed move for him this past summer.
In an interview with Cadena Ser, Inaki Williams has confirmed that Manchester United were indeed interested in securing his services in the summer transfer window. But, the Spanish forward insisted that he remains committed to Athletic Bilbao and is not thinking of departing from San Mames anytime soon.
Inaki Williams is someone who has always been on the radar of some of the top clubs in Europe, particularly ones from England. For a long time, Liverpool were reported to be in his pursuit, with the player showing signs of his undoubted talent over the years.
But, the 25-year-old has never quite managed to deliver on a consistent basis, meaning the suitors have not made any concrete offers to sign him. In 161 La Liga appearances, Williams has just 35 goals and 22 assists to his name, quite a paltry return. Therefore, it came as quite a surprise that Manchester United were interested in signing him late in this summer’s transfer window.
Manchester United did seem to be in need of bolstering their attack heading into the wee hours of the British window, a thought process that seems to have reinforced since the departure of Alexis Sanchez on loan. Apart from Sanchez, the Premier League heavyweights also offloaded Romelu Lukaku.
As a result, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does seem to be a little short changed in the attacking department even though he has placed his trust in Mason Greenwood. Greenwood included, the Manchester United boss has just four natural options for three positions in attack, with Andreas Pereira, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata more of makeshift options to play out wide.
As a result, it is rather surprising that Manchester United did not bolster their attack in the summer. But, Williams could have been an option for the Red Devils, with the Spanish forward confirming the interest from the club this past summer.
Speaking to Cadena Ser (h/t The Independent), “I had contact from Manchester United but I cannot tell you who it was. My number one option has always been to stay at Athletic Club and to retire here. Joining Real Sociedad? No, I could never go there. 100%.”
Judging by his comments, Williams does seem to be quite committed to Athletic Bilbao, having also penned a new nine-year deal with the Basque club last month. The 25-year-old’s new contract saw his release clause being hiked up to €135 million.
While they did not manage to sign Williams, missing out on his signature could be a blessing in disguise for Manchester United, despite bearing a thin look in attack, with the Spanish forward not really instilling a lot of confidence due to his scoring record.