Despite having previously been turned down by the Spaniard, Dan Bardell thinks that Aston Villa might give Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams another chance this summer because of his release clause.
With their incredible season, the Villans may have guaranteed their spot in the Champions League the next year.
That being said, in order to get his team up to the necessary level, Unai Emery will need to make additions during the summer transfer window.
GiveMeSport revealed on April 24 that Villa is “serious” about closing a deal this summer, and Emery “really wants” to sign Williams, who is 21 years old.
The Spain attacker has a £43 million release clause, according to a report by Fabrizio Romano on March 7. Despite Villa rejecting him in the summer, Bardell thinks this could be enough to entice them.
“Obviously something in it,” Bardell remarked in an exclusive interview with Villa News, “because Villa wanted him last season and he was Emery’s first choice as a forward player.” Villa needs to sign a versatile player with the ability to play as a striker.
Should Aston Villa sign Nico Williams?
The Villans may be in the market for an attacking option ahead of next season, especially if Jhon Duran departs the club.
This season Ollie Watkins has been the go-to man with 19 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League this campaign [FotMob].
Add to this the impact of Leon Bailey off the right wing with ten goals and nine assists [FotMob], Villa have been fired towards a top-four spot.
Moving into next campaign, should they qualify for the Champions League, the squad is going to need filling out with additional quality.
Williams could be an ideal option for Emery as a versatile option who can play on either flank and as a striker.
With 25 games this season, he has four goals and eight assists for Bilbao, who are now sixth in La Liga [FotMob].
With his ability to get on the ball and get close to his marker, he would undoubtedly thrill Villa supporters. Fbref claims that this season, he has made 5.66 progressive carries and 3.90 successful take-ons per 90, placing him among the top players in Europe.
Williams is attracting top interest from the Premier League and other leagues, but Villa may have an easier time negotiating if the Champions League is up for grabs.
In other Aston Villa news, Tyrone Mings’s position has been updated in footage that has surfaced, prompting a doctor to respond with a “unfortunate” statement.
