Liverpool are circling Athletic Club winger Nico Williams again – not loudly, not like a complete raid, but with a constant interest that seems deliberate. It feels like they’ve been tracking him for a while, weighing the pros and cons, and now maybe they’re ready to put some pressure on him. Whether it happens before the World Cup or not, timing matters. Big tournaments can change everything, and that’s part of the pressure on any potential deal.
Why Williams fits the bill
Nico has been a constant presence for Athletic since his breakthrough in 2021. He is quick, direct and the kind of wide striker who can destabilize defenses without needing to do anything flashy every time. As the seasons progressed, he became more consistent – perhaps not perfect, but reliable enough to become a first-team regular. I’ve watched him a few times this year and there’s that impatient side to his game that you sometimes look for in a Liverpool winger: attacking defenders, trying to make things happen and not just waiting for the perfect pass.
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It’s important to say: it is not the finished article. There have been injuries – enough that the Athletic board have had low-key conversations about his future. This is of course part of the negotiating leverage. Clubs often rely on a player’s fitness record to decide whether to accept offers or ask for more. Liverpool have also expressed interest before; Arsenal are said to have been watching him at one point, so it’s no coincidence. However, players evolve. Shape changes. A World Cup appearance could increase his value, or a small setback could derail everything. The football business is funny like that.
Money and negotiation: the €90 million clause against an offer of €75 million
Here are the details: Williams’ contract has a €90 million release clause. Liverpool apparently have no intention of paying that full amount – at least not up front. The plan appears to be to try and negotiate, perhaps aiming for around €75 million. It’s a sensible approach. Clubs rarely want to trigger big release clauses unless they are desperate. Instead, they test the waters, see if the selling club has pressing reasons to let him go, and try to structure the deal.
Athletic is in a pretty strong position. Ideally, they would keep Nico: he’s from the country, he’s a crowd favorite and he still fits into their project. But there’s a flip side: if his injury record is a real concern and offers start to look attractive, the club might consider cashing in. 75 million euros is not pocket change. From Liverpool’s point of view, paying less than the clause makes financial sense and allows them to retain flexible options. There’s also the timing factor: getting the deal done before the World Cup appears to be a tactical goal, as performance in the tournament could drive up his price and attract more suitors. This is a short-term delay that could influence both parties.
What Liverpool get – and what they risk
If Liverpool sign Williams, they would add a player who brings pace and width, someone to give more variety to the frontline. Depth is a constant concern during long campaigns: injuries accumulate, matches come one after another and rotations become essential. Williams could play multiple roles on the right or left flank; he has this adaptability. For a manager who values pressing and forward momentum, this is attractive.
But nothing is guaranteed. Injury history raises a red flag – not necessarily an obstacle, but something to weigh. There is also the question of fit. Moving to the Premier League is not the same as playing in La Liga; it’s more physical, faster in bursts and the strength of the defender 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 broader market
This is where the urgency comes in. Other clubs are watching. It’s a subtle pressure: if you wait too long, you risk a bidding war or a rival stepping in with better terms (both financial and in promises of playing time). Liverpool will want to be decisive but not reckless. Again, the World Cup remains in the background: it could spark a surge in interest, so it makes sense to act before it starts if they want to avoid inflated offers.
There is also the human side. Players sometimes prefer certain destinations for personal reasons – manager, style, city, family – and this can affect results as much as money. Liverpool’s reputation as a club that develops attacking players helps, as does the quality of competition for places. Nico should weigh immediate playing time and joining a larger project with higher expectations.
Some final thoughts
So, will it happen? Maybe. I find this plausible: Liverpool like the profile, the price could be negotiable and Athletic could be tempted by strong offers if they are realistic about the needs of their team. But there are caveats: injuries, adapting to English football and the clock ticking towards the World Cup could all change the equation.
It’s one of those transfer sagas that you watch partly for the football logic and partly for the drama. Personally, I would lean towards a deal being done if Liverpool push wisely and Athletic decide the time is right. But then again, maybe they’ll wait – or another club will step in. Either way, it’s worth keeping an eye on this one; I suspect this won’t be resolved without some twists and turns.