Spanish winger Nico Williams will reportedly prioritise joining Real Madrid instead of Barcelona if he leaves Athletic Club.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Nico Williams has a preference for his next club amid emerging interest in his services. The Spanish international, whose release clause is €50 million, will prioritise joining Real Madrid instead of Barcelona. But he will likely sign a new contract with Athletic Club in the coming weeks.
Nico Williams has established himself as one of the most highly sought-after wingers in the world in the last few months. The 21-year-old has been with Athletic Club for a decade, having joined them from Osasuna in 2013. And after rising through the ranks at the Basque outfit, he has become a regular for the first-team squad.
The Spanish international is now one of the most promising young performers for his club and country. Williams has strongly started the 2023/24 season, providing four assists in as many La Liga games. But the player’s contract situation has left Athletic Club in a spot of bother, as he is in the final months of his contract.
Recent reports have thus heavily linked the Spaniard with several high-profile clubs, including Premier League bigwigs like Liverpool. But outlets have most heavily linked him with Barcelona, who will likely target him to replace Ferran Torres. However, SPORT reckons he will prefer to join Real Madrid if he leaves Athletic Club.
The Merengues have not shown much interest in Williams. But considering Carlo Ancelotti’s attack is threadbare, Real Madrid can do with multiple offensive reinforcements next year. So, the Spanish international, whose current release clause is €50 million, is a viable target.
As for Barcelona, Lamine Yamal’s rise has somewhat alleviated the need for a wide attacker. But Ferran Torres faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club. So, Barcelona might enter the market for an offensive reinforcement next year. Williams is thus an attractive option, considering he can arrive in a Bosman move.
But recent reports have claimed that Williams is prioritising signing a new contract with Athletic Club. In addition, the Basque giants are not fretting over his long-term future. Meanwhile, the new deal will likely hike the release clause from €50 million. So, any move away from San Mames has to wait for some time.