Liverpool Assess £65m Move for Nico Williams Amid Left Flank Rebuild
Liverpool’s decision not to directly replace Luis Díaz last summer remains one of the more debated calls of Arne Slot’s early tenure. Díaz’s 13-goal contribution helped fuel the title triumph, and while the manager has so far placed his trust in Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha, the question of long-term succession lingers.
Gakpo, now 26, committed to a new contract and has returned two goals and two assists in seven Premier League fixtures. Ngumoha, fresh from signing his own renewed deal, wasted little time in making his mark with a goal against Newcastle. It is an admirable blend of continuity and youth progression, yet there is a sense that Liverpool may still lack an outright specialist on the left for the highest level.
Nico Williams Considered Ideal Upgrade
That is why rumours surrounding Nico Williams have resurfaced. Previously admired by Liverpool before he extended at Athletic Bilbao, the 23-year-old remains a standout option. His explosive pace and one-on-one ability align closely with the profile Díaz once offered. However, his campaign has been disrupted by a groin injury, leading to questions in Spain over whether his wages have become burdensome for Bilbao.
Fichajes reports that Liverpool are now prepared to test that theory.
“Liverpool is preparing a multi-million-pound offer to sign the Athletic Club winger,” the report reads.
“The goal is to close the deal before the 2026 World Cup, when its value could skyrocket.
“Although his release clause is around €90 million, Liverpool isn’t willing to pay the full amount. Their plan is to approach him with an offer of £65m, hoping that the player’s physical problems will tip the balance.”

Release Clause Complication
Williams is contracted until 2035 with a €90m release clause. Liverpool’s willingness to advance with a £65m opening proposal signals two things — a respect for his valuation, and equally, a confidence that Athletic may be pressured into dialogue. Whether Bilbao are in any position to negotiate will depend on how indispensable they view him.
Williams began the season brightly, scoring twice and assisting once on the opening day during a run of three successive wins. His later absence coincided with a four-game winless spell. That alone underlines his importance. He returned in time for a 2-1 win over Mallorca just before the international break, a reminder of his influence.
Timing Is Critical
If Liverpool are to strike, moving before the World Cup appears logical. The winger was a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 success and another high-profile tournament could lift his value beyond reach. With Slot already reshaping his forward unit without fanfare, this may be one decisive play to secure the next evolution of Liverpool’s left wing.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Most Liverpool supporters will view this development with cautious excitement. On paper, Nico Williams fits everything the club looks for — young, dynamic, already experienced at international level and capable of operating in high-pressure games. If there is one criticism of the current attack, it is that Gakpo offers security rather than unpredictability. Williams brings chaos, the kind of raw acceleration that unsettles low-block defences.
There will be concerns over his injury record and the size of the fee. Yet Liverpool have built their modern success on timing deals before the wider market inflates them. If €75m lands a Euro-winning forward before he explodes on the World Cup stage, it could look savvy in hindsight.
Supporters will also note that Slot’s trust-first approach with Gakpo and Ngumoha does not rule out elite investment. Liverpool won the league under Slot by evolving rather than standing still. Securing Williams now would feel like the next phase of that evolution, ensuring that the left flank remains a weapon rather than a rotation slot.