Premier League title holder Liverpool is reportedly looking forward to a spectacular transfer for former Barcelona goalkeeper Nico Williams.
Arne Slot’s side are believed to be preparing an eye-watering €95 million bid for the Athletic Bilbao winger.
Liverpool are preparing a €95 million bid for Barcelona target Nico Williams
Barcelona has been linked with a move for Nico Williams for some time.
In the summer of 2024, Williams was reportedly close to joining the Blaugrana, but the winger ultimately stayed at Athletic Bilbao and signed an improved contract.
Earlier this year, ties between Williams and Barca resurfaced, with reports claiming the two sides had reached a full agreement. The Spaniard would sign a six-year contract with the club until June 2031.
❤️ BREAKING: Nico Williams signs a new long-term contract with Athletic Club until June 2035!
The agreement includes a new release clause of +50% compared to the previous €58 million and a salary increase.
⛔️Barcelona deal OFF due to registration issues. pic.twitter.com/Ew5odMQqzL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2025
With Barcelona about to make their bid, Williams signed another contract extension with his boyhood club, promising to stay until 2035.
Barcelona were reportedly shocked and disappointed as Williams’ representatives did not inform them of the contract extension.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, Williams’ revised contract also included a €95 million release clause, which Liverpool want to trigger.
Why Williams wants a move to the Premier League
Nico Williams put his faith in Athletic Bilbao’s project and signed one of the longest contracts in the club’s history. However, the Basque team has not been able to live up to Williams’ expectations this season.
Ernesto Valverde’s team, which finished fourth in LaLiga last season, is in seventh place this season. They have gained 23 points from 17 games and are 11 points behind Atletico Madrid in fourth place.
Bilbao’s problems were even greater in the Champions League. They have only managed five points from six games in the league and sit 28th in the table.
They must finish in the top 24 to have a chance of qualifying for the Round of 16.
73′ — Subs on
80′ — Gives Athletic Club the leadNico Williams is special pic.twitter.com/K09B13CtYN
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 13, 2025
Williams reportedly feels cheated by the club after being promised a winning project last summer. With Athletic Bilbao reluctant to sell to a direct rival, a move to the Premier League has become a real possibility.
Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation as they prepare for the departure of Mohamed Salah.
Salah has tested Arne Slot’s authority with his explosive outburst, and the pair are unlikely to work together again after this season. Liverpool want a dynamic player to replace him, and Williams fits the profile.
Although the player has been limited by injuries this season, the Reds are confident he will be a good fit. Liverpool’s board has already held preliminary discussions to determine Williams’ availability.
Athletic remain committed to keeping him, but acknowledge it would be difficult to keep him against his will. Their only hope is to turn things around in the second half of the season and restore Williams’ faith in the project.
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