Athletic Bilbao present Jon Uriarte has spoken about the future of Spanish star Nico Williams amid interest from the Premier League and Barcelona.
Spanish winger Nico Williams has proven to be the early star of the tournament with the 21-year-old putting in a dazzling performance against Italy in Spain’s second group game of EURO 2024.
The winger has been heavily linked with a move away from Athletic Bilbao this summer with Barcelona the side who have been mentioned the most.
However, HITC understands there is indeed interest from multiple Premier League clubs with Arsenal, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Liverpool understood to be keen on Williams.
Bilbao president on Williams’ future
Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Bilbao president Jon Uriarte opened up about the future of the Spanish winger.
“We’re not here to talk about rumors,” Uriarte said. “Nico is happy in Bilbao and at Athletic, as he has mentioned before. We’re pleased with Nico.”
When pressed on whether Williams could extend his stay in Spain, Uriarte said:”We would love to share more information about club operations, but we usually don’t disclose details until everything is finalized.”
As mentioned multiple Premier League sides have declared an interest in the winger but these clubs have been put off by the wage demands of the 21-year-old.
HITC understands that the winger is currently earning around £200,000 a week at Bilbao and any potential transfer would mean that Williams would demand around £250,000- £300,000 a week to get the deal done.
Williams’ brother Inaki Williams was full of praise for his 21-year-old brother as he labelled the lightning paced winger as a ‘starboy’.
Premier League clubs remain keen but Barcelona is the priority
Sources have told HITC that whilst multiple Premier League sides remain keen on the Spanish winger, the player’s preference is a move to Barcelona.
After former midfielder Xavi Hernandez departed the Nou Camp, former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick was handed the reins at the Catalan giants.
Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in the winger who had 17 assists to his name last season and has a relatively cheap release clause in his contract of £43 million.
Barcelona, however, appear to remain the favourites.
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