A report from Manchester Evening News suggests that Real Madrid might make a move for Nico Williams, a player previously targeted by Manchester City, for around €50 million. However, the winger’s future remains uncertain as his contract is set to expire in less than a year. Williams is believed to have a release clause of €50 million, attracting interest from leading clubs for a potential January transfer.
Williams’ Impressive Run Of Form For Athletic Bilbao So Far This Season
Williams has garnered high praise for his displays at Athletic Bilbao, having already earned 10 caps for the Spain national team at just 21 years old. He featured for Spain in the recent World Cup in Qatar and has started this season in exceptional form, recording one goal and five assists in 10 games.
Displaying impressive statistics, he averages 0.9 tackles, 1.7 shots, 2.1 key passes, and 2.5 dribbles per ninety minutes in La Liga. Additionally, he boasts a 78% pass completion rate in Spain’s top-flight, showcasing accuracy in his distribution (stats via whoscored).
Should Guardiola Bring Him To Manchester City?
Williams, a young prodigy thriving at Athletic Bilbao and already a Spain national team regular at the age of 21, presents an exciting prospect for City’s flanks. His versatility and flair on the field align well with Pep Guardiola‘s fluid style of play. The question remains: should Guardiola bring in this burgeoning talent, and how could Williams seamlessly integrate into a squad adorned with players like Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva?
Williams brings a wealth of experience despite his youth. His consistent performances at Bilbao and his exposure at the World Cup in Qatar underline his maturity on the big stage. His ability to thrive in high-pressure situations complements City’s ethos, where every player is expected to perform at their best.
One of the standout qualities Williams would offer to City’s flank is his versatility. While predominantly a winger, his adaptability allows him to seamlessly switch between positions, creating fluidity in Guardiola’s ever-evolving tactical setup. Alongside the likes of Foden and Doku, Williams could diversify City’s attacking options, offering different styles and approaches based on opponents and match scenarios.
Additionally, the integration of Williams into the squad would not only add depth but also foster healthy competition for places, pushing existing talents top elevate their game. Hence, he would be a decent acquisition for the Sky Blues in the January transfer window. However, the Mancunian club also face competition from Real Madrid and Guardiola would be wise to make contact before them.
