Liverpool Ready to Pay for Mind-boggling £49m Star Who’d Be Their Best LW Since Sadio Mane
Last week, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, along with new head coach Arne Slot, announced that transfer activities are likely to occur later in the summer transfer window.
This news has disappointed fans. Jurgen Klopp’s unexpected resignation from his managerial position in May marks the most significant turning point at Anfield since his thrilling appointment in 2015. The changes have been overwhelming.
Nevertheless, Liverpool are observing and waiting while Premier League rivals and international clubs rush to secure new signings to meet their initial goals.
Will Liverpool finalise a deal before the start of the 2023/24 league season, which is just over a month away? FSG is known for seizing opportunities and will certainly act if the right one presents itself.
The Reds have been consistently mentioned as potential suitors for one of Europe’s most highly-regarded talents…
According to CaughtOffside, Barcelona are currently ahead in the pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, but Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all closely monitoring the situation.
Williams, 21, has emerged as one of the standout players at Euro 2024 and is expected to leave Basque Country soon. His contract includes a €58m (£49m) release clause, making him an attractive target.
Liverpool have the financial resources to secure the transfer. While Premier League clubs are currently in a waiting position, any slip-up by La Blaugrana could provide an opportunity for the Reds to make a move.
Although early in his professional career, Williams has already made a significant impact. He was instrumental in Bilbao’s successful season last year, winning the Copa del Rey and ending a 40-year trophy drought, which earned him a spot on Luis de la Fuente’s national team.
With La Roja advancing to the final of the European Championship and facing England, Williams has a chance to impress Liverpool scouts and other top six clubs.
During the tournament in Germany, Williams has been exceptional, showcasing quick dribbling, creativity, and the ability to break through defensive lines, causing numerous problems for his opponents.
| Nico William: Euro 2024 Stats | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | # |
| Matches played | 5 |
| Matches started | 5 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass completion | 90% |
| Key passes per game | 2.0 |
| Ball recoveries per game | 3.2 |
| Dribbles per game | 2.4 |
| Duels won per game | 3.8 |
| Stats via Sofascore | |
A supreme playmaker and tireless ball-carrier, Williams would be an excellent addition to Slot’s Liverpool. Although the Merseysiders have one of the Premier League’s top left-wingers in Luis Diaz, the 27-year-old’s performance has been under scrutiny, having scored only 13 goals and provided five assists in 51 matches last season.
Despite his strengths, the Colombian has not matched the level of his Liverpool predecessor, but Williams has the potential to take over that role and excel.
Liverpool acquired Sadio Mane from Southampton in 2016 for £34 million. During his two-year tenure on the South Coast, the emerging Senegalese winger displayed impressive qualities.
Sadio Mane, now 32, had an impressive career at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, scoring 120 goals and providing 42 assists in 269 appearances. He was an integral part of the team that won numerous titles, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
Mane’s speed, skill, and mental toughness made him a formidable winger, earning him praise from Klopp as “world-class”.
During his final season at Liverpool in 2021/22, Mane played a crucial role as the team chased an unprecedented quadruple, ultimately falling short in the Premier League and Champions League finals. Despite this, Mane’s performances were outstanding, and his departure has left a void that needs to be filled.
A potential replacement for Mane could be Nico Williams, a Spanish winger who has impressed with his playmaking abilities.
As per FBref, Williams ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, shot-creating actions, progressive carries, and successful take-ons per 90. While he may not have the same goalscoring instinct as Mane, Williams contributed 27 goals and 19 assists for Bilbao last season.
Williams’ playmaking prowess could be a valuable asset for Liverpool, complementing the skills of strikers like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo. With Diaz potentially leaving the club for a fee in excess of £50m, Liverpool should prioritize signing Williams, who is considered one of the best talents in the market.
To secure Williams’ signature, Liverpool’s owners, FSG, must be willing to outbid Barcelona and make a significant offer. If they succeed, Williams could become a key player for the Reds, helping them achieve success under new manager Slot.
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