After an incredible Euros campaign which caught the eyes of the world in the summer of 2024, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has struggled to carry that form into the current La Liga campaign.
Blessed with fantastic dribbling and, usually, an eye for goal, Williams has found it tough to convert his skill on the ball into tangible goal contributions this season, managing just one goal and three assists in 17 La Liga games.
With Bilbao sat fourth in the Spanish top flight, it is hardly as if the club is struggling either. With the 22-year-old not having been at the heart of his side's good performances, rumours have begun to circulate about a potential move away from the Estadio de San Mames.
Now, many suitors appear poised to tempt the young winger away from Spain.
Current favourites
Arsenal – 3/1
A lot of criticism has arisen surrounding Arsenal's attack this season, with many saying that the likes of Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are just not up to the standard of a team that claims to be chasing Premier League titles.
The latter two of those three options could potentially be replaced by the incoming Williams. A fast, dynamic player who likes to beat his man, the Spaniard has completed 37 dribbles this season, more than 95% of La Liga's wingers.
It has been tough to watch the Gunners' front three at times this season, with Arteta's patient and possession-based build-up coming under fire for its lack of entertainment, and, sometimes, its lack of potency in front of goal.
Williams proved at the Euros that he can be a an electric asset, capable of unlocking defences at pace. This is something Arsenal fans will be excited to see, and supporters will be hoping that Arteta will be able to bring the best out of his compatriot. At 3/1, the Gunners lead the way for his signature.
Real Madrid – 5/1
The Bernabeu and a place in the Los Blancos squad appears to be another possible route that could tempt Williams away from his starting role at Athletic Bilbao.
Smashed 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final by Barcelona, the result demonstrated a worrying lack of cohesion within Madrid's squad, a concern that has been present ever since the signing of star player Kylian Mbappe.
In spite of the Frenchman's goal in the final, his tally of 15 goals in 28 games has been less than what was expected of him at this stage, and Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti could move for a quick fix in the form of Nico Williams.
Although it would seem unlikely that Williams would leave for a rival who already possess players of Mbappe's calibre, the allure of a spot at the Bernabeu could be too much for the 22-year-old to resist.
Liverpool – 5/1
A third potential destination for the Spaniard has been touted as Anfield, with Arne Slot potentially looking to bolster his attack with the title well within reach for the Reds.
With suspicion also beginning to mount about Darwin Nunez's future at the club, there is ample opportunity for Slot to sign Williams as a replacement forward.
Frederico Chiesa has not featured at all for Liverpool at the time of writing, and there seems to be little route into the team for the Italian winger at present. Although Williams has not been playing his best football of late, the player's potential may be seen as preferable to the already injury-troubled Chiesa.
At 5/1, do not count Liverpool out as a surprise destination for one of Spain's hottest prospects.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
In December 2020 we sadly 
