Nico Williams has become one of the most sought-after names in European soccer. His speed, dribbling, and youth make him one of the most attractive talents on the market. However, his signing isn't progressing as desired in the offices of the continent's giants.
The Athletic Club player has a release clause of €58 million. This figure, on paper, makes him a real bargain for clubs like Barça, Real Madrid, or Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, none of these entities have taken the definitive step toward signing him.
Nico Williams playing with Athletic Club | Athletic Club
Three key factors slowing interest
The first reason that's making the big clubs hesitate is his medical history. Nico has suffered numerous muscle injuries during the last season, accumulating as many as seven different absences. This pattern has raised alarms in entities that seek physical guarantees.
Both Vincent Kompany, Hansi Flick, and Xabi Alonso have been informed of this background. They all agree that a player prone to injury creates an unnecessary risk for their planning. This has frozen any immediate operation from Munich, Barcelona, or Madrid.
Nico Williams with Athletic | @nicolas_williams9
Another aspect that's generating concern is his tactical attitude in the defensive phase. At San Mamés, he enjoys absolute freedom and isn't required to make a notable defensive effort. However, in elite teams, that attitude would have to change radically from day one.
Top club coaches demand players committed in all facets of the game. So far, Nico hasn't shown that constant off-the-ball commitment. This is a point that especially worries technical staffs that are very demanding with tactical discipline.
Nico Williams wearing Athletic Club's jersey | @nicolas_williams9
Individualistic style and total freedom
The third factor has to do with his style on the field. Williams is an anarchic player, with a tendency to hold onto the ball longer than necessary. Under Valverde's direction, he has been given freedom, but in other environments, that could generate friction.
In clubs where the collective system takes precedence over individualities, this is a significant barrier. His current profile could clash with the footballing philosophy managed on the most competitive benches. This is yet another element that has put his signing for a top team on hold.
Nico Williams with the national team | @nicolas_williams9
To all these elements is added a salary request that has surprised the offices of interested clubs. Nico would be asking for a salary of €300,000 per week. This figure notably increases the total investment for his signing.
In the current economic context, only a handful of teams can afford to pay those figures without compromising their wage bill. In Barça's case, for example, it would mean an imbalance that the current sporting management wants to avoid. The same is true at Bayern and Real Madrid, which have also frozen contacts.
Nico Williams with the national team | @nicolas_williams9
An uncertain future for now
With these factors on the table, Nico Williams's future is becoming complicated. None of the big clubs have activated a formal offer, and his situation remains unsolved. It can't be ruled out that he will stay one more year at Athletic while waiting for a favorable development.
The player remains on the radar of many teams, but the current conditions don't help. He has age and talent on his side, but he'll have to adjust some demands if he wants to make the definitive leap. For now, his immediate future remains hanging in the air.
