Barcelona, Real Madrid, and other clubs could bow out of the race to sign 21-year-old winger Nico Williams, who could renew with Athletic Club.
According to Record via Sport Witness, Nico Williams may choose to remain at Athletic Club, which could spell the end for Barcelona and Real Madrid in the chase. The 21-year-old winger was the subject of interest from the Spanish giants and many other Premier League sides, but his future seems secure in Basque.
Nico Williams has become one of the sought-after names in Spain after his emergence within the Athletic Club and the Spanish national side. He is a sure starter in either team, and his contractual situation with the Basque club has attracted plenty of speculation.
Unai Emery attempted to sign him during the summer, taking into account he had only a year left on his deal. But Athletic Club had no interest in selling their prized asset on the cheap and are, in fact, confident of renewing his deal.
Reports were suggesting Williams would have preferred Real Madrid over Barcelona despite the Catalans emerging as favourites for the 21-year-old. At Camp Nou, Williams could have united with some of his young Spanish teammates like Gavi, Pedri and Lacine Yamal.
Premier League clubs like Villa and Brighton are also interested, as per the report, and could attempt in January to sign him. The 21-year-old winger is yet to sign a new contract, although reports have suggested Williams continues to lean towards a renewal.
With the January window inching closer and without a renewal, Athletic Club know the dangers of letting the situation remain unchanged. They are aware of rival interest, especially from clubs abroad, who can enter into a pre-contract agreement with the 21-year-old winger.
However, with Athletic Club confident about extending his stay for the long term future, Real Madrid and Barcelona are ready to bow out of the race. Even Aston Villa might concede defeat in the hunt, but things could still change.
Many of these top clubs would have seen Williams as an important part of their system, but now they may have to look away.
