1 month ago
11 ARTICLE AD
Phil HaighPublished Oct 14, 2024, 12:58pm|Updated Oct 14, 2024, 12:59pm
Nico Williams remains relaxed about where his future lies, happy at Atheltic Bilbao and dreaming of his team winning the Europa League at their home stadium.
The 22-year-old looked likely to leave Athletic over the summer after starring for Spain on their way to Euro 2024 glory in Germany.
The winger’s fine performances for his club earned him a regular spot in his country’s starting XI and he did not disappoint, scoring Spain’s opener in the win over England in the final.
Barcelona looked the likeliest destination for Williams but there was significant interest from the Premier League in the forms of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
However, the Basque club held firm and hung onto their man as they look to build on the success of last season which saw them win the Copa del Rey.
Williams says he remains very happy that he stayed in Bilbao and his only focus is more silverware with his current side, which would be ideal in this seaons’s Europa League with the final at the San Mames.
‘I’m not thinking about my future now. I’m so happy to be at Athletic, fans are happy too,’ Williams told El Mundo.
‘Bilbao is my home, I’m really happy and I want to enjoy it here. I want to bring Athletic at the best level. The dream is that Europa League final at San Mames.’
It seems certain that interested parties will make a move for Williams in the summer, with his contract running until 2027, so Athletic having their best chance to cash in next year.
Spanish publication Fichajes are already linking Athletic with a move for a replacement in a surprising place.
Norwich City’s Borja Sainz played in the youth system at Athletic Bilbao before leaving for Alaves, Giresunspor and then the Canaries in England’s Championship.
The 23-year-old has had a superb start to the current season, scoring seven goals in nine league games.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Wojciech Szczesny names the only player he was ‘actually scared’ to play against
MORE : Arsenal injury nightmare worsens as Brazilian star heads for MRI scan
MORE : Manchester United ready to take £70m loss as Erik ten Hag sanctions Harry Maguire exit
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
