Real Madrid might compete with Barcelona for 22-year-old Athletic Club attacker Nico Williams if Vinicius Junior leaves the club.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Nico Williams is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions have identified the Athletic Club attacker as a potential replacement for Vinicius Junior amid the Brazilian’s links with the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old is also a target for bitter rivals Barcelona.
The rise and rise of Nico Williams
Nico Williams has established himself as one of the best players in the world, even though his peak years are well ahead of him. The Spaniard has been a mainstay in the final third for his club and country in the last 24 months, going from strength to strength with every passing week.
Williams was instrumental in Spain winning the UEFA Euro 2024 title, finding the back of the net in the final against England. The 22-year-old has looked in good touch in the early days of the 2024/25 season, even though he has yet to score a goal or provide an assist in four outings thus far.
Meanwhile, Nico Williams’s exploits for his club and country have not gone unnoticed. Several high-profile clubs attempted to sign the Spanish international from Athletic Club in the summer transfer window before a move failed to materialise. Barcelona and Real Madrid might be his prospective suitors in 2025.
Barcelona, Real Madrid interested
Barcelona hoped to sign Nico Williams in the summer transfer window. However, the move did not see the light of day, as the UEFA Euro 2024 winner remained committed to Athletic Club. That has not dampened the spirits at the Catalan outfit, with a 2025 summer move possible.
However, Barcelona might face stiff competition from Real Madrid next year. The reigning La Liga champions are keeping their options open if Vinicius Junior gets tempted by the prospect of raking in a lucrative salary in Saudi Arabia. While the Brazilian remained committed to Real Madrid in the summer, Williams has emerged as a target to replace him next year.
While seeing Vinicius Junior join a Saudi Pro League club will be surprising, it will be interesting to see if a big-money move sees the light of day. Williams might then move to Real Madrid unless Barcelona can raise the required funds to secure his services.
