Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Athletic Club starlet Nico Williams, whose contract runs until 2024.
According to Fichajes, Liverpool and Manchester United have set their sights on Athletic Club’s teenage winger Nico Williams and could consider signing him in the ongoing transfer window.
Nico, younger brother of Athletic Club mainstay Inaki Williams, is a product of the Basque outfit’s youth academy. Having made his first-team debut in April last year, the 19-year-old grew into a regular in the side in the 2021/22 campaign. Williams finished his breakthrough campaign with a total of 39 appearances, in which he scored three goals.
While his numbers are not eye-catching, Williams impressed with his raw pace and dribbling ability, although the teenager still has a lot of work to do on several facets of his game. Nonetheless, the Athletic Club winger has seemingly caught the attention of two of the biggest clubs in the world in the form of Liverpool and Manchester United.
Liverpool have already dipped their toes in the transfer market for attacking signings, having brought in Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho. And with Mohamed Salah’s future secure after his contract extension, there does not seem to be an imminent need for another wide forward, with Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz already at the club.
However, a player like Nico Williams could be a good signing with an eye on the future, especially with the Reds losing some depth after bidding goodbye to Sadio Mane, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino. But Liverpool will likely face competition from arch-rivals Manchester United, who also have reportedly taken an interest in the 19-year-old.
Manchester United are currently sweating over the future of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has expressed his desire to leave the club. While the Red Devils are reluctant to offload him, the Portuguese maverick is already being offered to top clubs across Europe by his agent, Jorge Mendes. His exit would leave a massive void in the attacking unit for Manchester United.
So, the signing of a new No. 9 should be a top priority for Manchester United, especially with the club already working on a deal to sign Antony from Ajax to bolster their wide areas. With Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri back after being out on loan last term and Alejandro Garnacho likely to be handed a first-team role, there is unlikely to be much room for Williams unless there are exits from the club.
Williams has a contract with Athletic Club until 2024. So, despite the alleged interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, a deal to sign the 19-year-old will not be easy.
