Liverpool told to make transfer decision on Euro 2024 star in Mohamed Salah admission
Dan Bardell doesn’t believe Liverpool will sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao this summer due to the quality already available in his position.
Caught Offside reported on 24 June that Arne Slot has “approved” the potential transfer of the Spain international this summer.
Williams could cost the Reds up to £42.2million due to the release clause in his contract with Athletic Club, where he is tied down until 2027.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell is unsure whether the versatile attacker would improve Liverpool if he was signed, citing Mohamed Salah as one of those he is unlikely to dislodge.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, Bardell said: “He is a brilliant player. He’s been one of the ones to watch so far at the Euros.
“It is hard to get players out of Bilbao for obvious reasons. I don’t really see a role for him in the Liverpool front line as a starter at the moment.
“Is he going to play instead of Luis Diaz? Probably not. Maybe off the right is one of his strongest positions, but Salah is there so that’s a bit of a wall. I don’t see him as a central striker in the Premier League either.
“With the fee it would cost and the way Liverpool operate, I’m not sure they would spend as much as it would take.
“As much as he is brilliant, he isn’t a guaranteed starter and doesn’t necessarily improve the starting XI at the current time.“
Liverpool told not to sign Nico Williams
There is no doubt that Williams is a great talent and would be a great signing for Liverpool this summer for his release clause fee.
The issue is that the hierarchy do not tend to splash out on star names on big money unless they are going to have an impact on the starting XI.
With options like Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo who don’t have a consistent role in the side, there is a case that the Reds don’t need additions in that area.
If one of the forward players were to leave this summer, though, then Williams could prove to be an ideal replacement.
There is interest from Saudi Arabia in Salah, albeit a move waiting until potentially next summer [The Telegraph], which could be where the Spaniard slots in.
Maybe signing Williams this summer and a loan back to Athletic Bilbao could prove to be a good bargaining tool for the Reds.
After a great Euros so far, his stock is certainly on the rise so signing the talented attacker early could be vital.
In other Liverpool news, Marc Guehi ‘holds the power’ as a transfer update emerges at Anfield.
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