Richard Hughes, 22, is set to join Liverpool, with the club needing to pay £46 million to secure the deal.
Liverpool is among the clubs strongly interested in signing Nico Williams, the winger from Athletic Bilbao.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool has long been interested in 22-year-old winger Nico Williams, who had initially hoped to join Barcelona during the summer transfer window. However, the Reds could face competition from top clubs such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, all vying for the Spaniard, who has a £46m release clause in his contract.
Although Williams is under contract with Athletic Bilbao until 2027, the club has made it clear they will not sell him for less than his release clause. Barcelona, having strong performers in Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, is no longer pursuing Williams, leaving the winger open to a move to the Premier League. A transfer could even happen as early as January.
Given these circumstances, it may be wise for Liverpool to consider strengthening their attacking options with a player of Williams’ potential.
Arne Slot confirmed this week that he is satisfied with the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp. However, he emphasized that they will still explore opportunities to strengthen the team if the right players become available. Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are continuously assessing potential options and strategizing ways to improve the squad, with Nico Williams being one of the players they are interested in.
Liverpool possesses plenty of quality in their attacking lineup, but they may still look to sign a versatile winger, potentially as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian’s contract at Anfield runs until the end of the season, and he has not yet been offered a new deal. According to The Athletic, Salah is reportedly open to accepting a one-year extension with the club.
Nico Williams, who can play on both wings but primarily operates on the left, could be an ideal target. He excels in dribbling, crossing, and making key passes, and with his best years ahead of him, he represents a promising prospect for the future.
