EXCLUSIVE: Real Madrid identify Nico Williams as €58m solution to counter Barca's Yamal! Shock move emerges as Catalan giants cool interest in Athletic Club star.
EXCLUSIVE: Nico Williams becomes surprise Real Madrid target as Barcelona withdraw from race for Spanish international winger.
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Marca, Real Madrid are actively pursuing Nico Williams and may activate his €58 million (£48m/$60m) release clause – a stipulation included in his renewed Athletic Club contract last summer.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Williams had been a primary transfer objective for Barcelona, Madrid’s arch-rivals, throughout last year. However, the winger ultimately chose to remain at Athletic Club. Even after this snub, the 22-year-old continued to feature prominently on Barça’s radar until this week, when president Joan Laporta revealed to TV3: “He was one of the candidates last summer, we were evaluating [Dani] Olmo and Nico. We have a good profile of this player, who is an excellent player, but I think at this moment we are evaluating other options.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Although Barcelona have stepped back from pursuing Williams, Real Madrid could still face rivalry from Arsenal. The Premier League side, seeking attacking reinforcements this summer, have tracked the Spanish star for some time.
WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Real Madrid will conclude their 2024-25 La Liga season this Saturday with a home match against Real Sociedad, marking Carlo Ancelotti’s final game in charge.
