Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte insists Nico Williams is happy at the club, as the supremo seems desperate to keep him amid heavy links.
Athletic Club in Bilbao, Spain, have had a strict policy over player recruits and development. They do not sign anyone from outside the Basque region and have somehow held on to that strategy with decent success over the years.
They revel in the art of developing players through their academy and have a jewel on their hands in Nico Williams. The brother of Athletic Club star Inaki Williams, the younger sibling chose to represent Spain, unlike the older Williams, who plays for Ghana.
For Spain, he has been sensational, and the recent international break showed Williams is ready to start on the left wing for the national side. While his international allegiance seems clear now, there are still doubts over his club future.
Williams’ contract with Athletic Club expires next summer, with no concrete news of a renewal coming out. The 21-year-old remains linked with many top clubs, and they will sense vulnerability in the Basque club’s armour and potentially look to sign a generational talent on a free transfer.
Jon Uriarte (Bilbao president): “Both Nico Williams and his family are happy at Bilbao. Both sides are working so he can stay here for many more years.” pic.twitter.com/R9rx7WQwYn
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) September 16, 2023
Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte has no interest in fueling speculation, as he insisted through his comments on AS via Sport Witness insists Williams is happy at the club. He also stressed on family and values instilled in the 21-year-old amid all the links to Barcelona and Liverpool.
Uriarte said, “Nico, like his family, Iñaki, his mother, are very happy in Bilbao,” he said.
“They love Athletic. They love our project. We are working hard on both sides so that he can stay.”
Williams has been eyed up by Barcelona, who are ready to rival Liverpool in their quest to sign the 21-year-old. The Blaugrana are intent on signing players on the cheap amid their financial crisis, and the potential availability of Williams could let them take notice.
Williams would ideally relish the opportunity to link up with fellow Spanish youngsters Gavi, Pedri and Lamine Yamal at Barcelona. However, there are also suggestions the 21-year-old might fancy a move to the Premier League, where Newcastle United are also keen on the rising star.
Liverpool, on the other hand, may have had strong links and could target Williams as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah. The latter could still depart for Saudi Arabia next summer or even in January, which could prompt the Reds to make an offer in the winter window itself.
