Liverpool want Nico Williams — Here’s why he fits perfectly

Liverpool’s summer rebuild is gathering momentum, and one name keeps rising to the top of their wishlist — Nico Williams.

According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, the Reds have emerged as frontrunners to sign the Athletic Bilbao winger, with their willingness to meet his £70 million asking price setting them apart from rival suitors.

Why Now?

The timing makes sense on both sides. Liverpool are staring down a significant attacking reshuffle — Mohamed Salah’s departure looms large, and injuries up front have exposed the squad’s depth problem.

For Williams, the stars may also be aligning. Ernesto Valverde’s resignation and Athletic Club’s failure to qualify for European football could be the nudge the 23-year-old needs, despite signing a deal through to 2035 last summer after snubbing Barcelona.

With the World Cup on the horizon, Williams is reportedly eager to showcase his abilities on the biggest stage — and a move to Anfield would do exactly that.

What Does He Offer Liverpool?

Let’s be clear: Williams is not a Salah replacement. He’s a left-sided winger by nature, making him more of a long-term upgrade on Cody Gakpo than a direct swap.

But what he brings is genuinely exciting — blistering pace, sharp dribbling, and the ability to beat his man in one-on-one situations. He’s also more than just a wide threat, capable of combining with teammates and arriving dangerously in the box.

The Verdict

At £70 million, the fee is fair for a player of his profile. The sticking point? Salary. As Athletic Bilbao’s highest earner at £220,000-per-week, Liverpool will need to match — or exceed — that figure to get the deal done.