Brighton Joins Race to Sign Promising Athletic Bilbao Star
Brighton has entered the competition to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, as reported. The 21-year-old player has earned recognition in La Liga due to his impressive performances with the Basque club. Williams made his debut for the first team in April 2021, and it didn't take long for Spain's national team manager, Luis Enrique, to take notice. In the following year, Williams received his call-up to the Spanish national team, and he has since earned ten caps for La Roja. Notably, he played in all four of Spain's matches during the 2022 World Cup, making appearances as a substitute until they were eliminated by Morocco in the Round of 16.
Williams has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, who were close to securing his signature in January by activating his £45 million release clause. Surprisingly, Williams declined a lucrative £120,000-per-week contract offer from Unai Emery's side, opting to continue his journey with Bilbao.
With Williams' current contract at the San Mames Stadium having just twelve months remaining, speculation is brewing that the club might consider selling him rather than letting him leave as a free agent. Spanish publication Fichajes.com reported that Brighton has now joined the competition to bring Williams to the Premier League. Additionally, Liverpool and Manchester United are keeping a close eye on the talented winger.
Although Williams is currently sidelined due to injury, he started the season on a high note, contributing four assists in his first four games for Athletic Bilbao. Barcelona is also reportedly interested in securing Williams in the summer if his contract expires, but Bilbao is said to be open to allowing him to leave for a reduced fee of £26 million should a team make a move during the January transfer window.
In the world of football transfers, it's all kicking off, and the race for Nico Williams's signature is just one of the intriguing stories. Stay tuned for more developments in this exciting transfer saga.
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