Xavi Hernandez reportedly wants Barcelona to sign Athletic Club attacker Nico Williams, a target for Chelsea and Liverpool.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Xavi Hernandez is pushing Liverpool to sign Nico Williams in the summer transfer window. The Athletic Club attacker has a release clause worth €50 million in his contract with the Basque outfit. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also interested in the Spanish international.
The rise and rise of Nico Williams
Nico Williams has been one of the best young players in La Liga since breaking into the first-team squad at Athletic Club. A native of Pamplona, the Spaniard was also eligible to represent Ghana like his older brother Inaki Williams. However, he has chosen Spain as his national side, making his international debut in September 2022.
The 21-year-old has been a regular for his club and country in the last two years, going from strength to strength with every passing month. Williams has enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 campaign thus far, contributing to 23 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions, having found the back of the net seven times while providing 16 assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has alerted several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool.
A man in demand
Barcelona’s interest in the Spanish international is understandable. Raphinha faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club amid the never-ending financial issues. A move to Tottenham might be on the cards for the Brazilian international, with Xavi Hernandez viewing Williams as Raphinha’s long-term replacement.
However, the youngster’s release clause of €50 million might pose a problem for the financially-stricken Barcelona. That brings Premier League suitors like Chelsea and Liverpool into the picture. Chelsea’s interest in Nico Williams is surprising, considering Mauricio Pochettino has several wide attackers in his squad.
However, the Spanish international can be viable if Raheem Sterling leaves Chelsea this summer. As for Liverpool, the Reds are in a spot of bother over the long-term futures of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. The Athletic Club attacker has thus emerged as a viable target for the Merseyside outfit.
Chelsea and Liverpool have the financial capacity to shell out €50 million to secure Nico Williams’s services. However, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona can raise the required sum to beat the Premier League giants to his signature.
