Nico Williams is about to play in a World Cup final for Spain tonight against Argentina at MetLife Stadium. But for Manchester United and Chelsea, the real action might start the moment the final whistle blows.
The 24-year-old Athletic Club winger has been on United’s radar for years, dating back to 2023. And now that Barcelona has officially passed on Marcus Rashford, the Red Devils see a clearer path. Barca agreed to pay Newcastle $90 million for Anthony Gordon instead of triggering the $33 million buy-option on Rashford’s loan deal. That means Rashford heads back to Old Trafford after finishing third with England at the World Cup. And it also means United’s long-standing interest in Williams has nowhere else to go but forward.
Williams isn’t having the same tournament he did at EURO 2024, when he scored in the final and helped Spain dominate. He has dealt with injuries this summer. He came off the bench against France in the semifinals. But his talent? Nobody questions that. He brings a combination of quick-footed dribbling and raw speed that defensive backs hate dealing with. He can play both wings, though he prefers the left side for Athletic Club.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, United is preparing to make an offer. The report says the club wants a more aggressive attacking identity with wingers who can win one-on-one battles and change games on their own. That sounds like a pretty direct description of Williams.
Here’s where it gets interesting for Chelsea. The Blues have been linked to Williams too, since he fits the profile that the new ownership group likes: young, athletic, high ceiling. But Chelsea agreed to a record-breaking deal for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers just yesterday. That makes it tough to justify another massive spend on a left-sided attacker, especially when you already have Cole Palmer and others in the mix.
El Nacional claims United would have no issue matching Williams’ current wages at Athletic Club or triggering his release clause, which is around $99 million. That’s a lot of money. But for a winger who could be one of Europe’s most dangerous players in a few years, it might be a bargain.
United has some wiggle room because they’re willing to sell Rashford to help fund this move. The main target for that left-wing spot has been Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, but AS Roma is considered the frontrunner for him. That could push United to go all-in on Williams instead.
If the deal happens, it would change how United lines up. Williams on the left would let Matheus Cunha slide into a more central role, and it would give Michael Carrick options with Patrick Dorgu rotating at left-back with Luke Shaw. That’s the kind of depth a team needs when it’s chasing trophies.
The pool of interested clubs is shrinking fast. Barcelona is out. Chelsea just spent big. If United moves quickly, they might get a clear run at a player who could define their attack for years.
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