Liverpool can sign Nico Williams for £43m, according to reports. The Reds are one of four clubs watching the Spain forward.
This comes from Goal. They name Liverpool as one club watching Nico Williams right now as the 20-year-old performs for Spain at the World Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Chelsea also have eyes on the forward, however. All four clubs have a chance to sign him, too, as there’s a £43m release clause in his Athletic Bilbao contract.
Williams has played 45 minutes at the World Cup so far. He came on as a substitute against both Costa Rice and Germany, though has been unable to find a goal or assist so far.
Still, he’s looking like an incredibly bright talent and one Liverpool might just consider signing.
Liverpool can sign Nico Williams
Williams, then, is one of the few young players at this tournament who won’t see his value increase. All he can do with great performances is increase the chances of someone paying that release clause.
So, does it make sense for Liverpool to do that? Possibly, yes. Williams plays on the right of attack and the Reds don’t actually have cover out there. Mohamed Salah starts every week but none of the other forward options can naturally play out there.
£43m is an awful lot to spend on a pure backup but Williams, at 20, could be Salah’s long-term successor. The only issue there is that Liverpool already have two players lined up to be that successor.
Kaide Gordon hasn’t played this season because of injury but Liverpool won’t want to block his progress. Ben Doak has been fantastic at youth level, too, and looks to have a bright future on the flank.
So as good as Williams is, he might be caught in a middle ground. Not quite ready to oust Salah for a first-team role but also too close to some other options as someone for the future. £43m is a lot to spend on someone who would really just be a luxury signing – we just can’t imagine him heading to Anfield right now.
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