According to journalist Dean Jones, Liverpool are considering signing Nico Williams this summer. The Spaniard would replace Mohamed Salah, who has been linked with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Salah received a massive offer last summer, but Liverpool turned it down. However, it has long been expected that the Saudi Pro League will return in 2024.
And if that’s the case, the Reds may turn to Williams.
He is an Athletic Bilbao academy product who helped the club win their first major domestic trophy in 40 years this week by playing the entire 120 minutes of the Copa del Rey Final. Williams has long been linked with a move away from Bilbao, specifically to Liverpool. “This could be the summer,” writes Jones in Sportslens.
The 21-year-old’s deal includes a release clause of roughly £42 million, which may be a bargain if Liverpool believe he can replace Salah. Williams is also apparently ‘open’ to a move to the Premier League, despite his commitment to Athletic.
In other words, he’s not going to press for a move, thus it’ll require activating that provision to get him. However, the Reds may be interested in doing just that.
NICO WILLIAMS to Liverpool?
Williams has long been linked with Liverpool, dating back to his time at Athletic. He’s developed into a superb talent who will almost surely interest the Reds.
However, he is a danger, if only because he has never demonstrated the ability to deliver as Salah does. But, can anyone? The Egyptian is easily the best right-sided forward on the planet, and Liverpool will have to take a risk in some way to replace him.
Perhaps it is a financial issue, or perhaps, like with Williams, it is a belief that the potential exists and only has to be shaped. Including a shift in his major role.
If Liverpool believe it is achievable, then £42 million is a steal. They’ve taken risks like this previously that have paid off; what’s the next one?
