Liverpool are circling Athletic Club winger Nico Williams again — not loudly, not like a full-on raid, but with a steady interest that feels deliberate. You get the sense they’ve tracked him for a while, weighed the pros and cons, and now might be ready to push. Whether it happens before the World Cup or not, well — timing matters. Big tournaments can change everything, and that’s part of the pressure on any potential deal.
Why Williams fits the bill
Nico’s been a steady presence for Athletic since breaking through in 2021. He’s quick, direct, and the sort of wide forward who can unsettle defences without needing to do anything flashy every time. Over seasons, he’s grown more consistent — maybe not perfect, but reliable enough to become a first-team regular. I’ve watched him a few times this year and there’s this impatient edge to his play that you sometimes want in a Liverpool winger: goes at defenders, tries to make something happen, and doesn’t just wait for the perfect pass.
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It’s important to say: he isn’t the finished article. There have been injuries — enough that Athletic’s board has had quiet conversations about his future. That’s part of the negotiating leverage, of course. Clubs often sit on a player’s fitness record when deciding whether to accept offers or to push for more. Liverpool have also shown interest before; Arsenal reportedly eyed him at one point, so this isn’t out of the blue. Still, players evolve. Form changes. A World Cup showing could lift his value, or a small setback could make the whole thing stall. Football business is funny like that.
Money and negotiation — the €90m clause vs. a €75m offer
Here’s the brass tacks: Williams’ contract has a €90 million release clause. Liverpool aren’t apparently planning to pay that full number — at least not upfront. The plan seems to be to try and negotiate, perhaps aiming for around €75 million. That’s a sensible approach. Clubs rarely want to trigger big release clauses unless they’re desperate. Instead, they test the waters, see if the selling club has any urgent reasons to let him go, and try to structure the deal.
Athletic are in a fairly strong position. Ideally, they’d keep Nico — he’s homegrown, he’s a crowd favourite, and he still fits into their project. But there’s a flip side: if his injury record is a genuine concern, and offers start to look attractive, the club might think about cashing in. €75m isn’t pocket change. From Liverpool’s point of view, paying less than the clause makes sense financially and keeps options flexible. There’s also the timing factor — closing the deal before the World Cup seems to be a tactical aim, because performances in the tournament could push his price up and attract more suitors. It’s a short-term deadline that could influence both sides.
What Liverpool get — and what they risk
If Liverpool sign Williams, they’d be adding a player who brings pace and width, someone to give the front line more variety. Depth is an ongoing concern in long campaigns — injuries pile up, fixtures come thick and fast, and rotations become essential. Williams could slot into several roles on the right or left flank; he’s got that adaptability. For a manager who values pressing and forward momentum, that’s attractive.
But nothing’s guaranteed. The injury history raises a red flag — not necessarily a showstopper, but an element to weigh. There’s also the matter of adjustment. Moving to the Premier League is not the same as playing in La Liga; it’s more physical, faster in bursts, and defender strength differs. Some players adapt quickly, others take a season or two. Liverpool would be betting that his talent and temperament will translate sooner rather than later.
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Competition and the wider market
This is where urgency comes in. Other clubs are watching. That’s a subtle pressure — if you wait too long, you risk a bidding war or a rival jumping in with better terms (both financially and in promises of playing time). Liverpool will want to be decisive but not rash. Again, the World Cup sits in the background: it could spike interest, so acting before it begins is logical if they want to avoid inflated offers.
There’s also the human side. Players sometimes prefer certain destinations for personal reasons — manager, style, city, family — and that can affect outcomes as much as money. Liverpool’s reputation as a club that develops attacking players helps, but so does the quality of the competition for places. Nico would have to weigh immediate playing time against joining a larger project with higher expectations.
A few closing thoughts
So, will it happen? Maybe. I find it plausible — Liverpool like the profile, the price might be negotiable, and Athletic could be tempted by strong offers if they’re realistic about their squad’s needs. But there are caveats: injuries, adaptation to English football, and the clock ticking toward the World Cup could all change the equation.
It’s one of those transfer sagas you watch partly for the footballing logic and partly for the drama. Personally, I’d lean toward a deal getting done if Liverpool push sensibly and Athletic decide the timing is right. But then again, perhaps they’ll wait — or another club will step in. Either way, it’s worth keeping an eye on this one; I suspect it won’t be settled without a few twists.
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