Nico Williams, the breakout star of Euro 2024, is reportedly warming to the idea of a move to the Premier League, igniting a fierce transfer battle among some of England’s top clubs. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are all eyeing the Athletic Club winger, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s triumph at the European Championship, including scoring in the final against England.
A Rising Star with a Growing Reputation
At just 22 years old, Williams has become one of Europe’s most sought-after wingers. Despite a summer of intense transfer speculation, including a near-move to Barcelona, Williams chose to remain at his boyhood club Athletic Club, where he has steadily regained form after a turbulent offseason.
Williams’ contract with Athletic runs until 2027, but his relatively modest £46m release clause ensures that a move could materialize as early as next summer. According to The Athletic, the Spanish international is more open than ever to exploring the Premier League, with a transfer in 2025 considered “probable.”
The Premier League Contenders
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham are all reportedly vying for the signature of the fleet-footed forward. Each club boasts the financial muscle to meet Williams’ release clause and offer him the competitive wages that make a Premier League move increasingly appealing.
Williams’ current salary of €10m per year, or roughly £160,000 per week, ranks him among La Liga’s highest earners outside Spain’s big three clubs. While that wage deterred Barcelona from pursuing the winger, Premier League sides regularly pay their stars much higher salaries, making Williams an attractive target for English teams.
Bayern Munich and Other Suitors
While the Premier League is the frontrunner for Williams, interest extends beyond England. Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich is also monitoring the Spanish star, adding another layer of competition to the transfer saga. Notably absent from the reported list of suitors is Manchester City, although their Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri has publicly expressed his admiration for Williams, naming him as a player he’d love to see at the Etihad.
What’s Next for Williams?
Williams has hinted at the possibility of signing a new deal with Athletic Club, but the Basque-only policy of the team allows the club to save on transfer fees and allocate significant wages to retain their stars. However, with Williams’ growing profile and the Premier League’s unmatched financial appeal, Athletic faces an uphill battle to keep their rising star.
As the summer transfer window looms, the race for Nico Williams is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of 2025. With his affordable release clause and undeniable talent, Premier League clubs are poised to compete fiercely for the signature of Spain’s latest sensation.