Real Madrid change focus and target €30m transfer to frustrate Barcelona

Robin Bairner

Updated: 30 Sept 2023 21:57 BST
3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid — © ProShots

Real Madrid’s focus for the January transfer window will be Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to a report.

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The Spain international star is set to be one of the most wanted players in the transfer market over the course of the next year, with his deal with the Basque side set to expire in June 2024.

Barcelona are one of numerous clubs linked with an interest in the 21-year-old, with the Catalans particularly attracted to the fact that he might arrive for free given their ongoing financial problems.

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Real Madrid will have to fight off interest from the Premier League.

Williams, the younger brother of Inaki, had been linked with a potential January transfer to Manchester United, who had earmarked him as a possible replacement for Antony.

The Brazil international is under investigation due to domestic abuse allegation, which he denies. United’s decision to welcome him back to training in the meantime suggests they are confident the former Ajax player will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

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Real Madrid ready ‘substantial’ Nico Williams offer

According to Fichajes, though, Real Madrid are ready to make a January swoop for the player to beat clubs who are targeting him as a potential free agent, including Barca.

It has previously been reported that a fee of €30 million may be enough to tempt Athletic Club to sell in January, when the player will only have six months of his deal remaining.

This report indicates that Madrid are “willing to make a substantial offer to surpass the other suitors and secure Williams’ signature”.

The Basques, though, are working hard to secure the future of a player that they are desperate not to lose. Nico Williams has four assists in five matches this season in LaLiga and is rapidly establishing himself as a vital player.

Athletic have offered the rising star a long-term deal with a €50 million release clause, but the player’s reluctance to accept such a contract has been seen as an indication that he is eager to see what other clubs have to offer.