Nico Williams' 38‑goal record fuels Liverpool and Arsenal pursuit

Nico Williams has amassed 38 goals and 37 assists in 205 appearances for Athletic Bilbao, a tally that has intensified interest from Premier League clubs Liverpool and Arsenal, according to his agent Félix Tainta.

Long‑standing Premier League attention

Both Anfield and the Emirates Stadium have been monitoring the talented winger for several transfer windows, with the clubs actively hunting wide players across multiple seasons. The interest intensified during the summer of 2024 after Williams excelled for club and country.

Williams scored in the final of the European Championships, helping Spain defeat England 2‑1, and added a World Cup appearance to his résumé that same summer.

Negotiations and a renewed contract

Despite overtures from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Arsenal and Paris Saint‑Germain, Williams chose to sign a new deal with Athletic Bilbao rather than move abroad.

Félix Tainta told that Barcelona’s approach created friction with Athletic, but the Basque club remained informed throughout the talks. Tainta explained that without guaranteed playing time, Williams could not risk a move, especially with the World Cup looming.

“Nico is a Formula 1 car,” Tainta said, stressing the player’s need for regular minutes. “If I go to your house, I can’t take on your problem… a professional has to practice his profession.”

The agent added that the dynamics of interest remained consistent over the summers of 2024 and 2025, but his priority has always been to protect his client’s career prospects.

When asked whether Williams wanted to leave, Tainta replied that the winger is ambitious but aware of Athletic’s limitations, noting that a Champions League or La Liga title is unlikely at the club.

“He kept saying, ‘Not here, not here, maybe here,’” Tainta recalled, before confirming that Williams ultimately agreed to renew his contract after a candid discussion about his future.