Athletic Club forward and reported Manchester United target Nico Williams wants more than £400,000-a-week if he moves in the upcoming transfer window.
United are gearing up for a very busy summer, with several areas requiring reinforcement – none more pressing than the attacking department.
The majority of United’s forwards have struggled to make an impact this season, leaving captain Bruno Fernandes to shoulder much of the responsibility for delivering goals. While the Portuguese midfielder has carried out the role admirably, it’s abundantly clear that he needs far more support in the final third.
United are working on getting a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha over the line and they also remain interested in Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.
Another player mentioned to be on the Red Devils’ radar is Williams.
With Marcus Rashford expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, Williams has been tipped to potentially replace the Carrington academy graduate.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are prepared to go all in to beat the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea to Williams’ signature. The winger fuelled speculation over a move to United by admitting that playing at Old Trafford would be a dream come true.
Now, the Daily Mail has disclosed the 22-year-old’s wage demands and if accurate, securing his services won’t come cheap.
According to the newspaper, the Spaniard’s representatives want in excess of £400,000-a-week to give his green light for a transfer.
The Mail add, “It’s possible that he could sign a new contract with Athletic which would include a revised release clause.”
Needless to say, United are highly unlikely to meet Williams’ astronomical salary demands. At £400,000-a-week, he’d be the club’s highest earner. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have made it a point to reduce United’s wage bill and if Williams and his entourage stick to their guns, then a transfer will almost certainly not happen.
United will get an up-close look at Williams and what he can do on Thursday, when they meet at Estadio de San Mamés for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie.
Williams made his return from a groin injury by coming off the bench against Las Palmas last week, having missed the prior clash with Real Madrid. He is therefore expected to feature in some capacity against Ruben Amorim’s men.
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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!
