Liverpool are interested in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to AS.
The Spanish newspaper has named the Reds as one of three clubs who could snap up the 21-year-old on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will reportedly have to fend off interest from Aston Villa and Barcelona if they want to secure Williams’ services next summer.
Asked about the Spanish international’s contract situation last week, Athletic president Jon Uriarte said the La Liga side are doing all they can to keep him at the San Mames:
“Nico, like his family, Inaki, his mother, are very happy. in Bilbao. They love Athletic. They love our project. We are working hard on both sides so that he can stay.”
A potential replacement for Mo Salah?
Some have suggested that Williams could be signed to replace Mo Salah, with the Egyptian international being heavily linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Williams is, though, right-footed and he has played most of his football as a left-winger in recent months. You do feel that the Reds would prefer someone who possesses similar traits to Salah.
Have Liverpool been looking at other wingers?
The likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma have also been mentioned as possible targets over the past few weeks but, like Williams, the fact that they are right-footed would present a problem.
Liverpool’s recruitment department are likely to be working overtime to find someone who can adequately replace Salah in the long term. For that reason, it is not a surprise that they have looked at Williams, especially as he could be available on a free.
