Liverpool to consider a bid for the LA Liga forward in the summers
In the upcoming summer transfer window, Liverpool are allegedly considering a double raid for Athletic Bilbao strikers Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet.
Fans were disappointed to learn that the Reds had only made one new acquisition before the end of the January transfer window: Cody Gakpo, who they acquired for £44 million from PSV Eindhoven.
Liverpool again refrained from spending huge money on a star midfielder, but manager Jurgen Klopp has witnessed a significant decline in results this year.
Liverpool are in terrible form this season. And Alisson’s frustration speaks volumes.
Liverpool to introduce Nico Williams as another forward option?
The Reds have lost all four of their Premier League games thus far in 2023. One of the major reasons could be injuries to crucial players like Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino, and Virgil van Dijk. Thus, as a result, they are currently ranked 10th in the standings.
The club’s ownership situation is unclear as Fenway Sports Group looks for fresh funding and sports director Julian Ward is set to depart at the end of the current campaign. Liverpool’s business in the transfer window was allegedly unaffected by the goings-on above, and the Reds are anticipated to be quite busy in the summer.
According to AS – via TEAMTalk Liverpool are now keeping an eye on the La Liga forward & midfilder for the upcoming transfer window.
Williams and Sancet, a duo from Athletic who were also on Aston Villa’s radar during the January transfer window, are a target for the Reds. Williams, the younger brother of Athletic teammate Inaki Williams, has progressed through the club’s development program to record nine goals and seven assists in 67 appearances across all competitions.
The Spaniard’s stats cannot be overlooked
The 20-year-old has started 19 La Liga games this season and has six goals and six assists in 25 appearances, although he hasn’t scored in the top league since September. Williams, a member of Spain’s World Cup team, started in their 2-1 group-stage loss to Japan and appeared in all four games for La Roja in Qatar. His contract with Athletic expires in the summer of 2024.
However, a €50 million (£44.6 million) release clause in his contract protects the La Liga club, and they will want payment in full if they are to approve a sale. While mostly playing as a center midfielder, Sancet has established himself in the Athletic XI this season with seven goals from 20 La Liga appearances.
The 22-year-old, who can also play in an advanced position, scored a hat-trick in Friday’s rout of Cadiz (4-1) and, like Williams, his contract expires at the conclusion of the following campaign.
Athletic is reportedly still confident in signing both players to long-term deals, but a substantial offer from the Premier League may cause them to reconsider.
