Liverpool are in the race to sign £78m La Liga forward | OneFootball

Liverpool prepare €90m move for Nico Williams ahead of 2026 World Cup

Liverpool reignite pursuit of Spanish winger

Liverpool’s recruitment drive under Arne Slot continues to gather pace, and the latest report from Fichajes suggests the club have turned their attention once again to Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. The Basque forward, seen as one of the most exciting wide players in La Liga, has emerged as a leading target as the Reds look to assemble a dynamic new front line featuring Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah.

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According to Fichajes, Liverpool are preparing an offer close to €90 million for the 22-year-old but are reluctant to pay his full release clause. The proposed deal could see an initial €75 million bid supplemented by performance-related add-ons. The club’s recruitment team believe that moving early, before the 2026 World Cup, could be decisive in avoiding a price surge if Williams’ stock continues to rise.

“Liverpool’s idea is to close the operation before the World Cup, when his value could skyrocket,” the report stated, suggesting the club’s hierarchy see a window of opportunity to secure one of Europe’s fastest-developing attackers.

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Injury concerns complicate the chase

Williams’ early season form has been inconsistent, largely due to recurring muscular issues. He has featured in only four matches so far, missing extended periods of training at Lezama and seeing his return against Mallorca followed by another spell on the sidelines. His participation in upcoming fixtures remains uncertain.

That fragility has made Liverpool cautious. While they admire his pace and flair, his recent fitness record has raised questions over whether a substantial outlay would represent value for money. “Liverpool are not willing to pay the full amount,” Fichajes noted. “Their plan is to approach with a €75 million offer, hoping that the player’s physical problems influence the decision.”

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In Bilbao, those same concerns echo around the boardroom. Williams is a symbol of Ernesto Valverde’s project and an embodiment of Athletic’s modernised academy philosophy. Yet, his growing salary and fitness record make his long-term future less certain. The club must weigh sentiment against sustainability.

Strategic balance for Athletic and Liverpool

Athletic Club find themselves at a crossroads. Sell now and secure a record fee, or hold faith in a homegrown star who defines their identity. For Liverpool, the equation is equally delicate: they must calculate risk against potential reward.

A €75 million-plus-variables offer could tempt Bilbao’s leadership if doubts over his availability persist. The Reds’ approach appears to hinge on presenting a compelling sporting project rather than entering a bidding war. Their analysis indicates that Williams would bring “unpredictability, directness and width” to Slot’s new-look system, complementing the intelligence of Wirtz and the composure of Salah.

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As Fichajes added, “Liverpool want to avoid entering a bidding battle, preferring a reasonable agreement with Athletic.” That pragmatic tone aligns with the club’s recent transfer behaviour: controlled, analytical, and firmly within the boundaries of sustainability.

Perfect tactical fit under Arne Slot

Slot’s philosophy values fluidity, aggression and positional flexibility. Williams, with his acceleration and dribbling ability, fits that mould perfectly. His arrival could mark the beginning of a gradual evolution in Liverpool’s front line, blending established stars with next-generation energy.

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The Dutchman reportedly views the Spaniard as the missing link in an attack designed to overwhelm opponents. “Williams would bring verticality and speed,” Fichajes wrote, highlighting the winger’s potential to unlock compact defences and transition Liverpool back to their high-tempo rhythm.

For now, the operation remains delicate but feasible. Athletic are expected to hold firm, and Liverpool will need to present both financial and sporting arguments strong enough to convince all parties. What appears clear is that this story has only just begun.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this report will spark mixed feelings. On one hand, the ambition to sign an emerging star like Williams fits perfectly with the club’s philosophy of blending youth with experience. He offers pace, directness and the kind of one-v-one ability that supporters at Anfield adore.

However, many fans would question whether €75 million, plus add-ons, represents smart business for a player with recurring muscle problems. The lessons of past transfer windows still linger. Liverpool have seen what happens when they gamble on injury-prone players or those yet to prove consistent durability in a physically demanding league.

Sceptics might also argue that the team’s pressing structure and rhythm still rely heavily on availability and endurance. If Williams cannot maintain that intensity, such a move could backfire. While his ceiling is undoubtedly high, Liverpool must ensure that the signing aligns with both tactical needs and financial prudence.

Some supporters may even suggest waiting until after the World Cup to reassess his progress. Paying close to €90 million now, when his fitness is uncertain, could feel premature. For fans longing for midfield depth and defensive reinforcement, this rumour might appear more glamorous than necessary.