Premier League title holders Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a spectacular move for long-time Barcelona target Nico Williams.
Arne Slot’s side are believed to be preparing an eye-watering €95 million offer for the Athletic Bilbao winger.
Liverpool Prepare €95m Offer for Barcelona Target Nico Williams
Barcelona have long been linked with a move for Nico Williams.
In the summer of 2024, Williams was reportedly close to joining the Blaugrana, but the winger ultimately stayed with Athletic Bilbao, signing an improved contract.
Earlier this year, links between Williams and Barca reappeared, with reports claiming the two parties had reached a complete agreement. The Spaniard was set to sign a six-year contract with the club until June 2031.
❤️ BREAKING: Nico Williams signs new long term deal at Athletic Club until June 2035!
The agreement includes new release clause for +50% compared to €58m previous one and salary increase.
⛔️ Barcelona deal OFF due to registration issues. pic.twitter.com/Ew5odMQqzL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2025
As Barcelona were close to submitting their bid, Williams signed another contract extension with his boyhood club, committing to stay until 2035.
Barca were reportedly shocked and disappointed as Williams’ representatives did not inform them about the contract extension.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, Williams’ revised contract also included a €95 million release clause, which Liverpool are preparing to trigger.
Why Williams Wants Premier League Move
Nico Williams placed his trust in Athletic Bilbao’s project and signed one of the longest contracts in the club’s history. However, the Basque outfit have not been able to live up to Williams’ expectations this season.
Ernesto Valverde’s side, who finished fourth in LaLiga last term, are in seventh in the table this season. They have gained 23 points from 17 matches and are 11 points behind Atletico Madrid in fourth place.
Bilbao’s struggles have been even greater in the Champions League. They have only secured five points from six matches in the competition and are in 28th place in the league table.
They need to finish inside the top 24 to have a shot at 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 deceived by the club after being promised a winning project last summer. With Athletic Bilbao reluctant to sell to a direct rival, a switch to the Premier League has emerged as a real possibility.
Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation, as they are preparing for Mohamed Salah’s departure.
Salah has tested Arne Slot’s authority with his explosive outburst, and the pair are unlikely to work together beyond 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 that he is the right fit. The Liverpool board has already held preliminary talks to determine Williams’ availability.
Athletic remain determined to hold on to him, but acknowledge that it would be difficult to keep him against his wishes. Their only hope is to turn things around in the second half of the season and restore Williams’ faith in the project.
