Nico Williams is fast, fearless, and at 23, already one of La Liga’s most dangerous wide players. But if Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool are truly locked in a three-way battle for his signature this summer, they’re going to have to navigate a maze that goes far beyond just outbidding each other.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Red Devils have joined the race for the Athletic Bilbao winger, who produced six goals and seven assists in 32 appearances across all competitions last season. That stat line doesn’t fully capture the electricity he brings — his blistering acceleration on the left flank and his knack for driving at defenders with the ball at his feet make him a constant headache for opposing fullbacks.
But here’s the catch that could cool the frenzy: Williams’s contract at San Mamés runs until the summer of 2035. Yes, 2035. That means Athletic Bilbao holds all the leverage. A release clause is believed to be in the region of €58 million, but the Basque club has no incentive to negotiate a discount. For a player who has been with the club since childhood — and whose brother, Iñaki Williams, is an icon there — leaving is not a simple financial transaction. It’s an emotional and cultural shift.
What Would Williams Actually Bring to Old Trafford?
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United already have pace in attack with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund. Williams would add another dimension: a pure left-sided winger who can stay wide, stretch defenses, and deliver crosses with precision. He’s comfortable cutting inside onto his right foot but is at his most dangerous when running directly at goal from the touchline. His long-range shooting is a legitimate weapon, and he creates chances at a rate that would immediately improve United’s creativity from wide areas.
However, the question that has followed Williams for years is whether his game translates to the Premier League’s physical demands. La Liga allows more time on the ball, and referees protect dribblers more closely. In England, he’d face fullbacks who are bigger, faster, and more aggressive in one-on-one duels. The Spanish international has bulked up in recent seasons, but the transition remains a risk — one that Arsenal and Liverpool have clearly decided is worth taking.
For United, the calculus is straightforward: Williams would compete for a starting role immediately, likely on the left, with Garnacho shifting to a more central or rotational option. At 23, his best years are ahead, making the investment justifiable even if the fee is steep. But with two domestic rivals also circling — and with Bilbao holding a contract that essentially makes him untouchable unless someone triggers that release clause — this isn’t a signing United can finesse. They’ll have to pay top dollar and convince the player to leave the club where his brother is a legend.
That’s the fight worth having. But it’s not going to be easy.
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