After watching Bayern Munich face Paris Saint-Germain in a pulsating Champions League semi-final this week, Liverpool fans could be forgiven for feeling a little glum.
Both sides had pace, power and goal-scoring threat in attack, showcasing some of the very best current forwards in world football.
Ignoring the fact that Liverpool sold one of those on display last summer in Luis Diaz, the likes of Michael Olise and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia offered exactly what the Reds have been missing all season long.
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Liverpool have been heavily linked with Olise in particular, but as the Frenchman hits his straps with Bayern, there is no chance of bringing him to Anfield. Liverpool have alternatives such as Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola to consider, but with all of the talk of a new winger arriving, the silence surrounding Nico Williams is bizarre.
Williams was all the rage last summer, when Liverpool were reported to have met with his agents over a move to Merseyside. Though he later signed a 10-year contract with Athletic Bilbao, there is an achievable release clause woven into his agreement which should make him an option for the Reds this year.
Liverpool should be targeting Nico Williams
Williams’ stock was high last summer as he continued to look like one of the most promising young forwards in Europe.
With his star turn at Euro 2024 still fresh in the mind, the 23-year-old appeared on the cusp of a huge move which ultimately never materialised.
It is admirable that Williams wanted to commit himself to a huge deal at his boyhood club, but things have not especially gone to plan for him so far.
The Spain international has scored only four goals this season and is currently on a run of nine games without finding the net.
Clearly, those kinds of numbers do not mark him out as a potential Liverpool winger, which is probably why the noise over Williams has gone so quiet. But his pace and direct approach from wide is exactly what Arne Slot needs in his team.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Williams’ Athletic release clause stands at around £77m, and although that is high for a player with his current returns, it is the kind of fee Liverpool will have to pay to bet on the potential of a player like Diomande.
Lack of interest in Williams can help Liverpool
12 months ago it had appeared as though Williams would have his pick of clubs to join in 2025.
Barcelona seemed to be the most obvious destination, but Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as Liverpool, were reported to be in the mix.
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Fast forward to May 2026, and Williams’ options are far less obvious.
Barcelona could emerge again, but their interest has seemingly cooled, opening up a window of opportunity for somebody else.
The presence of such a high release clause would make a deal something of a gamble for Liverpool, but it could still be one which really pays off.
The winger market looks set to be as crowded as ever this summer, and for all the noise over the likes of Olise and Diomande, Liverpool could sneak through the back door and pull off a signing who could still end up being better than both.
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