Premier League giants Manchester United are preparing to trigger the release clause of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams once the summer transfer window opens, according to reports from Fichajes.
The Spanish winger signed a long-term contract extension with Athletic Bilbao last summer that runs until 2035, and his new deal includes a release clause worth around €100 million.
Williams has been a key figure for Bilbao in recent seasons after breaking into the first team in 2021 following his rise through the club’s academy.
Since then, the 23-year-old has made 193 appearances across all competitions, scoring 35 goals.
Despite the length of his current deal, the forward could still leave the club this summer, with Bilbao open to a sale to raise funds for squad reinforcements.
Manchester United have now emerged as frontrunners for his signature as they look to strengthen the left-wing position.
The Red Devils are expected to undergo a major squad overhaul this summer, and the left flank is one of the areas they are keen to improve due to the lack of a natural option in the position.
The three-time European champions are also weighing up a move for Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon as we reported earlier, while RB Leipzig teenage sensation Yan Diomande also remains another option.
However, the Red Devils may need to move quickly if they want to secure Williams’ signature, as Premier League rivals Arsenal could pose serious competition.
Athletic Bilbao are willing to negotiate a deal below Williams’ €100 million release clause, giving Manchester United the chance to land one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers, in what would be a major statement signing ahead of the new season.
