Barcelona, Arsenal or Liverpool? Ranking Nico Williams’ transfer options

Robin Bairner

• 15 Nov 2023 09:46 GMT
• 3 min read

Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is set to be one of the most coveted free agents of the summer, with a string of teams chasing the Spain international winger, headlined by Barcelona and a glut of Premier League giants.

The prospect of the 21-year-old departing as a free agent appears to be building, with the player’s agent stating on Tuesday that the player has not been approached over a new deal.

These comments will have reached the ears of clubs all over Europe, but which makes for the best move for Williams?

Curiously for a player who has so much interest in him, none of the teams chasing him provide a neat fit, according to data analytics experts SciSports.

If staying at Athletic Bilbao is taken as the benchmark for Nico Williams, there are only two options on the table currently that have a significantly better Club Fit score. This is calculated by taking into account various different factors, such as potential development, club stature, formation and playing style.

Leading the way is Aston Villa, who have a Club Fit score of 69, according to SciSports.

Beyond Unai Emery’s side, only Juventus at 64 better Athletic’s 61 score, with Arsenal tied on this figure.

The other options on the table for Williams are less attractive in terms of what they might bring to his career development for various reasons.

Although strong clubs, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Barcelona are all seen as poor options for the promising winger.

Barcelona, in particular, have been strongly linked with the potential free agent but they are seen as a poor option for him. A lack of potential playing time, Xavi’s style and formation are all regarded as significant obstacles to his success at the club.

Where should Nico Williams move?

Real Sociedad are regarded as the best option for Nico Williams, coming in with a Club Fit score of 78, tied with Serie A champions Napoli.

Indeed, a switch to Italy seems to offer a good solution for the €40 million-rated talent. Inter Milan and Roma also score in the top five, where RB Leipzig make up the numbers.

The best Premier League option for the international star is West Ham United, while Brighton, Everton and Chelsea all score over 70.

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