Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing up Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams for a January transfer.
The 20-year-old winger featured off the bench for Spain in their disappointing World Cup campaign in Qatar but has been impressive this season with three goals and four assists in La Liga.
After missing out on Kylian Mbappe in the summer and with Marco Asensio’s contract running out at the end of the season, a right-winger is on the agenda for Los Blancos and the Pamplona-born star is seen as a perfect fit.
Young, talented and with sky-high potential, President Florentino Perez reportedly dreams of a front three of Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema and Williams, and the club could make a move in the winter window.
“Real Madrid is closely following his situation at Athletic Club and could even undertake his transfer in this upcoming winter market. Florentino is ready to make an offer for the striker this coming January,” the report states.
“Karim Benzema’s constant injuries force Concha Espina’s team to reinforce the offence, and the president dreams of an attack made up of Nico Williams on the right-handed lane and Vinícius on the left-handed.”
TIF Thoughts on Nico Williams…
Given that he has a reported €50m (£43m) release clause in his contract, Athletic Club may be unwilling to let a prize asset go in January. However, with his deal expiring in 2024, they could be tempted to cash in sooner should Real make an acceptable bid.
At the World Cup, Williams showed his dribbling skill and attacking talent at times, but his displays also highlighted that he is still raw, with just 57 senior matches in his career to date, and he may not be ready to make the step up to Real Madrid just yet.
However, a summer move may be beneficial for everyone, particularly if he arrives as a direct replacement for Asensio, with another few months of development under his belt in the Basque country, and it is a deal to keep an eye on.