Contract talks between Nico Williams and Athletic Bilbao have not even begun with concerns rising about the future of the Premier League-linked Aston Villa target, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Williams only started one of Spain’s four games at the Qatar World Cup. But it’s safe to say he returned home with his reputation enhanced. Utilised wide on the right by Luis Enrique; the Pamplona-born 20-year-old seized the opportunity to showcase his searing pace to a worldwide audience.
But there is more to his game than a turn of pace. Williams, in all competitions, has seven goals and six assists to his name across 2022/23, adding a real ruthless streak to his performances. A fabulous solo effort in the recent 2-1 triumph over Valencia wrapped up all of Williams’ many attributes in a neat little package; the clever movement to find a yard of space, the explosive acceleration and close control, capped by an intelligent finish.
And, with Aston Villa ready to break the bank, you’d have been forgiven for assuming that Athletic would be leaving nothing to chance as Williams enters the final 18 months of his contract.
According to Mundo Deportivo, however, contract talks have not even started. There is, as things stand, ‘no movement’ on a new deal. With the sharks circling, smelling blood, no wonder Williams’ future is becoming a ‘great concern’ behind the scenes at San Mames.
Will Aston Villa sign Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams?
Deep-pocketed Aston Villa, the Daily Mail say, are willing to trigger the £45 million release clause in his contract; offering the Athletic academy graduate £120,000-a-week. Williams rebuffed their advances in January but Villa are not giving up so easily; Unai Emery desperate to bring a high-level wideman to the Midlands.
Williams, The Athletic say, is likely to be a leading target again come the summer. With talks over a new deal failing to get off the ground, that may be all the encouragement Emery needs.
“In one-on-ones, (Nico) is practically unstoppable,” Athletic team-mate and older brother Inaki Williams explains. “(His rise) is incredible. He is showing that he is (improving), he is gaining experience. In front of goal, he is improving a lot.
“He is a talent, a rough diamond that needs to be polished. He has a lot of room for improvement and hopefully he can continue to improve.”
Nico, meanwhile, prides himself upon his dextrous dribbling ability; likening his style to that of Neymar, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe.
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