Report: Barcelona out, Liverpool lead Williams chase | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Nico Williams Amid Luis Diaz Uncertainty

Slot’s Revolution Sets the Stage for a Defining Summer

Arne Slot’s inaugural campaign at Liverpool has reignited belief at Anfield. With the club on the brink of their 20th league title, the Dutchman’s high-intensity approach has delivered on both promise and results. However, while the focus remains on sealing the Premier League crown, internal discussions have already turned to what is shaping up to be a pivotal summer transfer window.

Several high-profile exits are expected, as reported by Anfield Watch, and Liverpool’s recruitment team – now headed by Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes – is preparing for what could be a significant reshaping of the squad. Central to their plans is strengthening the attacking unit, particularly with uncertainty growing around Luis Diaz’s future.

Nico Williams Emerges as a Priority Target

One name consistently mentioned in connection with Liverpool is Nico Williams. The Athletic Club winger, aged just 22, has attracted strong interest from across Europe thanks to his electric pace, ability to play on both flanks, and consistent end product. Valued at €70.3 million by Football Transfers, Williams has not gone under the radar.

This season, the Spain international has registered 18 goal involvements in all competitions – form that has propelled his side to the semi-finals of the Europa League. His late goal on Thursday underlined his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations. With a reported €60 million release clause, Williams presents an opportunity that fits Liverpool’s data-driven recruitment model: young, talented, and reasonably priced.

Spanish outlet MARCA has confirmed that Barcelona – previously thought to be front-runners – are now out of the race, a development that significantly enhances Liverpool’s chances of landing their long-term target.

Luis Diaz Future Adds Urgency to Recruitment Drive

Luis Diaz has played an important role under Slot, but speculation surrounding his future continues to swirl. Should he depart, Liverpool would require a like-for-like replacement who can offer width, dribbling, and defensive work rate. Williams ticks all those boxes.

His availability, combined with Barcelona’s withdrawal, opens the door for Liverpool to move decisively. “Williams has 18 goal involvements so far this season and scored late on to send his side through to the semi-final of the Europa League on Thursday night,” as previously reported, further highlights his big-game credentials.

While the return of Mohamed Salah for another season provides some stability in the forward line, Liverpool are conscious of refreshing the squad without sacrificing quality or experience. Williams, who already boasts international pedigree and top-level experience, represents a seamless fit for both the short and long term.

Liverpool Poised for Strategic Market Move

The structure of the release clause and the absence of Barcelona could make negotiations smoother than usual. Edwards and Hughes have a track record of operating shrewdly in such situations, and Williams’ profile fits their recruitment DNA.

Supporters should expect swift movement once the window opens. With Liverpool already laying foundations for the future under Slot, this summer feels like more than just a retooling – it’s the continuation of a project that’s gathering pace.

Williams may not be the only name on the shortlist, but he is increasingly becoming one of the most attainable and exciting.

Nico Williams: Statistical Profile Summary (Last 365 Days)

Over 3,170 minutes of football in the past year, Nico Williams has demonstrated a dynamic and well-rounded performance profile, with clear strengths in both attacking output and possession-based metrics.

From an attacking standpoint, Williams excels in Shot-Creating Actions (88th percentile), Expected Assisted Goals (xAG) (77th), and Non-Penalty Goals (72nd). His npxG + xAG combined value (46th) suggests he contributes consistently to goal-scoring opportunities, though his individual non-penalty xG is slightly above average (52nd). These figures indicate a player who is effective both as a creator and finisher in the final third.

In terms of possession, Williams’ standout attributes include Successful Take-Ons (98th percentile), Progressive Carries (95th), Progressive Passes Received (91st), and Touches (56th). These metrics underline his role as a high-volume, ball-progressing winger who frequently beats opponents and advances play. His Pass Completion % (16th) and Passes Attempted (39th), however, suggest room for improvement in his passing reliability and frequency in deeper build-up phases.

Defensively, Williams shows mixed involvement. He ranks in the 75th percentile for % of Aerials Won, reflecting strength in aerial duels, and in the 55th for Tackles + Interceptions. However, his contributions in Blocks (20th), Clearances (30th), and % of Dribblers Tackled (10th) are relatively limited, highlighting a secondary role in defensive phases.

Overall, Nico Williams profiles as a high-impact, possession-oriented winger with elite dribbling and progressive metrics, making him a valuable asset in systems that prioritise attacking transitions and wide creativity.