After an unsuccessful effort to recruit the Athletic Bilbao attacker fifteen months ago, Aston Villa is reportedly planning to rekindle their interest in Nico Williams this summer.
Williams, a 21-year-old who is wanted by several other Premier League teams, including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, has developed into a crucial player despite his youth. Since making his senior debut in 2021, the Basque Country native has already accrued 117 matches, with 18 goals and 21 assists.
Williams’ €50 million (£42.8 million) release clause was activated by Villa in January 2023, but the 13-time Spain international chose to remain. Later, he agreed to a contract extension that kept him at Bilbao until 2027, although according to Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo, the release clause was only marginally raised to €55 million (£47.1 million).
Over the past year or so, it has become quite evident that Unai Emery is keen to land his dream partner. However, Iñaki, Williams’ elder brother, asserted in November that his sibling is still settled.
“I am aware of my brother’s happiness in Bilbao. We are realising the dream of my parents—whatever has to be, will be shortly.
We’re content where we are. Iñaki remarked, “We are from here, and we grew up in Athletic, the club that formed us and gave us the chance to fulfil our dreams.”
Williams will therefore need to be persuaded to sign with Villa, but according to GiveMeSport, the Champions League contenders are resolute and optimistic that a deal can be reached that works for everyone. The fact that Williams is expected to go to work for a Spanish manager suggests that Villa Park has an advantage thanks to Emery’s decision to stay.
