Athletic Club left winger Nico Williams was already one of the biggest breakout stars in Spanish football during the 2022/23 season, and after following up a strong campaign with one that was just as good in 2023/24, Williams was clearly ready for the big time and already on the radar of the big clubs in his own country.
But after lighting the European Championships alight across from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Williams, a champion with Spain, became the most in-demand left winger on the transfer market with suitors like Barcelona and Arsenal ready to pounce.
Williams ultimately chose to stay loyal to the Basque and brother Iñaki, and while his performances have cooled just slightly this season, the 22-year-old remains one of the best wingers in LaLiga – and still on the radar of all those clubs.
Liverpool have two of the best left wingers on this planet in Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, yet they have also been linked to Williams because of the sheer quality and future upside of the 22-year-old standout.
However, The Mirror reports that Williams is looking for wages exceeding 300,000 pounds per week, making him one of the highest-paid players in any league in the world.
That’s the goal Williams reportedly has set, and, well, who could blame him? Athletic Club actually have a lot of money to burn since they don’t really go out and make signings, and they use it to keep their players happy and loyal to their Basque-only policy.
It’s part of why Williams was so reluctant to leave Athletic Club, even with Barcelona and close friend Yamal angling hard to sign him this past summer transfer window.
Liverpool have money to burn, but they know prudence pays off. With two left wingers performing at a higher level than Williams this season and bigger needs at striker, center back, and the defensive midfield, the Reds aren’t going to go throw a whole bunch of money at both Athletic Club and Nico Williams next summer; they can save some cash and go for, say, Omar Marmoush instead.
