Nico Williams shows Chelsea they can't afford to miss out

Tom Weber

Updated: 15 Jul 2024 08:45 BST
8 min read

Nico Williams starred for Spain in the Euro 2024 final, providing further proof that Chelsea would be foolish to pass up the opportunity of signing him.

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The 22-year-old headed into the Euro 2024 showpiece as already one of the tournament's biggest breakout stars, having terrified defences on Spain's path towards the final in Berlin's Olympiastadion.

Williams' directness, incisiveness and dribbling ability proved devastating in the games prior to the final and many were intrigued to see how he would fare against England's mean backline.

The Spaniard quickly showed that not even experienced, Premier League-proven defenders could contain him. He eventually opened the scoring shortly after half-time with a nicely taken finish that had been set up by the mercurial Lamine Yamal, with whom he has forged a wonderful friendship and on-pitch partnership.

Williams ended Spain's triumph as UEFA's Player of the Match, once again showing just what a truly special talent he is. Many clubs have been desperate to sign him. Barcelona are currently pushing for his signature, but Chelsea, one of the interested sides, would be foolish to allow him to head to Catalunya.

Chelsea need Williams

The Blues have been tracking the youngster for some time, as is to be expected given that they have made it their mission to snap up the brightest talents in world football since the Todd Boehly takeover.

However, Chelsea have thus far refrained from making a concrete move due to concerns over his price. And there is a good reason to be wary: though Williams only has a €58 million release clause at Athletic Club, he will be a lot more expensive.

The 22-year-old is already thought to be on a hefty wage in Bilbao and will expect to receive a pay rise to leave his boyhood club. Additionally, bonuses, agent commissions and taxes could take the financial package north of €60m-€70m, if not more.

Chelsea are refraining from once again spending profligately this summer, having most notably ended their pursuit of Michael Olise due to the same financial concerns.

However, the situation with Williams is different. The Blues are well-stocked in Olise's right-wing position, but the same isn't the case on the left flank where Williams plays.

Skill

Potential

Nico Williams
Mykhaylo Mudryk

Raheem Sterling, though still a solid player, has repeatedly shown that he isn't an elite Premier League winger (anymore). Mykhailo Mudryk, meanwhile, has been nothing short of a major disappointment.

The €70m Ukrainian - whose price could yet rise to €100m - has failed to show anything more than raw pace and the occasional spurt of promise since his January 2023 arrival at Stamford Bridge, making him a far cry from Williams, who is already more decisive despite being younger.

Indeed, data analytics firm SciSports back up that the Spaniard is a much better player already and still has a lot more potential to boot. In fact, Williams is capable of becoming one of the best wide players in the world.

Among left-wingers aged 22 or under, only Man City-bound Savio and his soon-to-be teammate Jeremy Doku have higher potential than Williams, while the Athletic star has a higher current ability than the former.

It is blatantly obvious that Williams is going straight to the top of the game. Chelsea would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to fix a problem position with a potentially generational talent. After all, what is €60m-€70m to a club that has spent north of €1 billion since 2022?