Manchester City interested in six-goal contributing La Liga star with €50 million release clause

Premier League champions Manchester City have become the latest club to be credited with an interest in Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, according to reports from Spain.

The 21-year-old attacking sensation, who predominantly stars in a wide role for his current club in the Basque region of Spain, is entering into the final few months of his current contractual agreement with Bilbao.

Across his 10 appearances in La Liga competition so far this season, the Spanish international has scored one goal and registered a further five assists in a start to the new campaign that is highly likely to have caught the attention of a number of clubs especially given his unfavourable contractual situation from an Athletic Bilbao point of view.

Earlier this week, the agent of the exciting attacker revealed that his current club are yet to make him a fresh offer over a contract renewal, while the player himself is ‘flattered’ by supposed interest from both Spain and England.

Now according to the information of Spanish newspaper AS, translated and relayed by Sport Witness, La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are joined by ‘major Premier League sides’ in showing an interest in the player.

Manchester City are among the clubs reported to be ‘attentive’ of Nico William’s situation at the San Mamés, with the player said to have a €50 million release clause embedded into his current contract in Spain.

Unfortunately for Manchester City and their hopes of recruiting the player, it is reported that Williams’ desire is to continue in Spain and as such he favours a move to Real Madrid. Speaking during a recent interview with Marca, Nico Williams admitted that uncertainty over his future is not something that bothers him.

Williams admitted, “These are things that are talked about, rumours. I am calm, focused on the national team and on Thursday’s game.” While that may be the case, Nico Williams will however be free to negotiate with other clubs from January 1st 2024 due to his contract.

“Today I think about the national team, to improve my performance here and get the best,” Nico Williams explained. “What has to happen will happen.”

Pep Guardiola does however seem satisfied with his current attacking options this season, following the signing of Jeremy Doku from Stade Rennais towards the end of the last summer transfer window.

The Belgium international has added some much-needed pace to Manchester City’s forward line, in a stark contrast of playing style to the more patient and controlled Jack Grealish – with the England international finding himself utilised in particular matches.

Whether or not Manchester City make a move for Nico Williams remains to be seen, however the club are known to be attentive to what they label ‘market opportunities’, and an expiring contract alongside a release clause makes for a situation to monitor closely in the coming months.