Nico Williams is the epitome of the new wave of young talent. Fresh off the recent European Championship, where he lifted the trophy and was named Best Young Player, Williams has become a sought-after player. His performance against Italy in the group stage saw him attempt 11 dribbles, the most in a single match at this Euros. In the final against England, he scored a lightning-fast goal just 1 minute and 9 seconds into the second half, making him the fastest scorer in the second half of a Euro final and the second-youngest to score in a Euro final at 22 years and 2 days old.
Winning the European Championship and making the tournament's Best XI has naturally boosted Williams' market value. The 58 million euros price tag is just the starting point for negotiations between Athletic Bilbao and his potential suitors. Despite this, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all eager to snatch him up. Cash-strapped Barcelona is banking on Yamal's personal appeal: "I hope to play with Nico Williams at Barca."
Chelsea, which chased the Spanish youngster last summer, promises a salary between 15-20 million euros annually, while Arsenal has already declared Williams their top target for the winger position. During the Euros, renowned Arsenal fan Piers Morgan called on Arteta to quickly sign the Athletic Bilbao winger.
The intense competition among these major clubs highlights Williams' star power and market value. However, this 2002-born youngster didn't become famous overnight. Making his professional debut at 19 isn't particularly noteworthy, but his solo effort against Valencia and his outside-of-the-foot goal against Barca are perfect visual feasts.
If we're to stress the importance of early fame, Nico Williams completed 110 dribbles in La Liga in 2023, earning the title of dribbling king. During the 2023-24 season, Williams scored 8 goals and provided 16 assists in 37 appearances, ranking second in both assists and dribbles and earning a spot in La Liga's Best XI.
Athletic Bilbao's fifth-place finish in La Liga and Copa del Rey triumph last season were largely due to their young stars. Paying Williams an annual salary of 780,000 euros was an excellent investment, and extending his contract until 2027 before the Euros was a popular move. Riding the momentum from the Euros, Williams has shed the label of "Inaki's younger brother" and become Athletic's leading man. Coach Ernesto Valverde, who once managed Barca, understands the desire for upward mobility, but he made every effort to retain Williams last year, saying, "He can maintain continuity here."
"I want to play for Athletic Bilbao for many more years," Williams tearfully promised on the night Athletic lifted the Copa del Rey trophy for the first time in 40 years. However, deep feelings in the competitive world might not withstand the call of major clubs or the lure of a lucrative contract. A 22-year-old shouldn't be constrained by loyalty alone. Consider the fate of long-serving captain Muniain, who rejected numerous big-club offers only to find himself without a new contract at 31. Such is the price of love, leaving one to sigh.
Having just turned 22 during the Euros, Nico Williams is in no rush to make a decision. He is reveling in the joy of standing atop Europe and enjoying the love and need from Athletic Bilbao. Most importantly, the potential buyers are in a complex state. Barcelona's financial struggles are no secret, making big-money signings difficult. Chelsea, with its frequent managerial changes, struggles to create a comfortable environment. Arsenal's winger position is crowded, raising doubts about their genuine interest. Given these heavy considerations, Williams might find it wiser to stay true to his initial desire to protect Athletic Bilbao.
Capitalizing on his hot streak is human nature, but the relationship between Williams and Athletic Bilbao goes beyond a mere partnership. This ties into Williams' growth story. Born in Bilbao, he and his brother stood out due to their dark skin (initially, only players of pure Basque descent were allowed to play for the team), a source of family pride.
Originally, his parents fled the war, traveling from Liberia to a refugee camp in Ghana in 1993. Settling down did not bring happiness. They took the risk of smuggling into Spain, facing many hardships. They encountered robbers and even walked through parts of the Sahara Desert on foot, eventually reaching Bilbao, their paradise.
After a 5,000-kilometer journey, settling in Bilbao was a necessary choice for survival, but their struggles were far from over. With two children, the father moved to London to work as a ticket inspector at a stadium, while the mother took care of the children. Inaki, the older brother, even worked as an amateur referee to help support the family.
The light that changed their lives was football. The brothers both joined Athletic Bilbao's youth academy and once scored in the same match. Although they now play for different national teams (Inaki for Ghana and Nico for Spain), their parents' values have always been the best catalyst for growth. After winning the European Championship, the first thing Nico Williams did was spend time with his parents, saying, "I gave the medal to my mother because, in my heart, she is the real winner."
What makes a home? Nico Williams has created a sense of value and belonging in Bilbao. If leaving is inevitable, it will still be a glorious path for the Williams family. "We are European champions, and now the goal is the World Cup," such cries inspire the 22-year-old to build a new spiritual world.
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