Man Utd want ‘immediate’ Sancho replacement as Liverpool join transfer race for ‘attractive profile’
Manchester United and Liverpool are both interested in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to reports in Spain.
Williams has started the La Liga season with four assists in as many matches for Bilbao.
He recorded an impressive 15 goal contributions in 43 appearances across all competitions last season, earning his first Spain cap in September 2022.
The 21-year-old now has two goals in nine appearances for La Roja, scoring and assisting in their recent 7-1 Euro 2024 qualifying victory away to Georgia.
Williams reportedly rejected the chance to join Aston Villa earlier this year and is still being linked with a move to the Premier League.
Out of contract next summer, Williams has the potential to be an incredible coup and Fichajes is reporting that Liverpool and Manchester United are ready to battle Barcelona for the winger’s signature.
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The report starts off by discussing Barcelona, in the market for a ‘high-calibre right winger’, with the sale of Raphinha not ruled out.
Williams has ‘caught the attention’ of Blaugrana manager Xavi, who thinks the player would fit in ‘perfectly’ at the Nou Camp.
Moving on to Liverpool, it is claimed that Jurgen Klopp is looking for a successor to Mohamed Salah, who is being ‘tempted’ by Saudi Arabian riches.
Klopp believes Williams is an ‘attractive profile’ and Salah’s departure ‘would open the door’ for the signing of the 21-year-old Spaniard.
Finally, Manchester United want a right winger ‘who can stand out in the short and long term’.
Antony’s situation at Old Trafford has called Erik ten Hag into action, while Jadon Sancho is out of favour having failed to impress on the pitch while publicly starting a feud with the Dutch manager.
Amid the uncertainty on the right flank, Ten Hag is looking to bring in a player ‘immediately’, the report claims. He isn’t out of contract yet, lads.
A January move would suit all parties if Williams makes it clear he does not intend to sign a new deal at the Basque club.
He will be one of the best opportunities on the market if he is available on a free, though.
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