Manchester United are reportedly the latest club to join the race for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams ahead of the summer transfer window.
Williams’ future was a hot topic last summer, following his heroics with Spain at Euro 2024. He seemed destined to go to Barcelona, who he was strongly linked to for several weeks. However, a move never got over the line and he ended up staying with his current side.
However, he did not renew his terms with Athletic and will enter the final two years of his deal this summer.
A move to Camp Nou now appears unlikely given Raphinha’s sensational resurgence in form.
Arsenal and Chelsea have been mentioned as the two Premier League clubs pursuing Williams but now, a fresh report has claimed that United are ready to blow them out of the water for his signature.
The Red Devils are expected to be in the market for attacking reinforcements, with both a striker and a left-sided number 10 believed to be on the agenda.
Williams – who primarily plays on the left of the attack for Athletic – has managed nine goals and seven assists in 36 appearances so far this season.
Before United’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, Williams netted a brace to propel the Basque side past Roma, securing a quarter-final clash with Rangers.
CaughtOffside note that United may have some more money to spend on the 22-year-old if they manage to offload some of the players on their books.
Marcus Rashford and Antony, currently on loan at Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively, have revived their form and are expected to be let go this summer.
United nearly sold Alejandro Garnacho in January, and if he departs in the upcoming window, the urgency to sign Williams would only intensify.
Williams’ release clause is thought to be anywhere between £50m and £60m.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
