Williams had a standout performance last season, contributing nine goals and six assists in 43 games for Athletic. His significant impact played a role in Athletic reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals, although they were defeated by Osasuna. The team also secured an eighth-place finish in La Liga.
While Williams had a slower start to the 2023/24 campaign, his recent form has been impressive. Over the past few weeks, he managed one goal and three assists in three appearances, contributing to Athletic earning seven points and scoring nine goals during that period.
According to WhoScored, the 21-year-old is Athletic’s second-best player this season, only behind his brother Inaki. Nico Williams has an average rating of 7.25, while Inaki’s is slightly higher at 7.37.
Nico leads his team in assists with five and is also at the top of Athletic’s charts for key passes per 90 (2.1), dribbles per 90 (2.5), and crosses per 90 (1.7).
The outstanding performances in Spain have sparked rumors of a potential move to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Aston Villa reportedly interested. Liverpool, in particular, seems keen on acquiring Williams, especially if Mo Salah departs for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia next summer.
With Williams’ contract expiring at the end of the season and Athletic facing challenges in securing a renewal, Liverpool has a promising opportunity. If the situation persists, Liverpool could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with Williams in January for a free transfer next summer, following the Bosman ruling.
Williams’ agent, Felix Tainta, has hinted at the possibility of his client leaving Athletic in an interview with Basque outlet El Correo. Tainta emphasized that Williams’ contract expires in June, and while the player’s desires are known to Athletic, there has been no formal bid on the table for a new deal.
The delay in Athletic’s decision-making could be costly, as Liverpool inches closer to securing Williams without a transfer fee. Such a scenario would be detrimental to Athletic, given Williams’ status as one of the most promising talents from their academy. Despite being valued at €40 million (£35 million) by transfermarkt, Athletic risks missing out on that potential sum if they fail to extend his contract.
For Liverpool, acquiring Williams without a transfer fee would be a remarkable deal, providing an opportunity to strengthen their squad, particularly in the context of potentially replacing Mo Salah’s influence. Various players, including Leroy Sane, Jarrod Bowen, Karim Adeyemi, and Bryan Mbeumo, have been named as potential targets.