This potential deal comes after glowing comments from club legend Roy Keane, who has publicly praised the player.
During the recent summer transfer window, United primarily focused on bolstering their defense and midfield. They spent over £100 million on key signings like Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro, while also strengthening their defense with the additions of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
Their summer spending exceeded £150 million. To improve their forward options, United also brought in Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £38.5 million.
Despite these investments, the club had not prioritized signing a winger due to the depth in that area, with players like Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jadon Sancho already in the squad.
However, on transfer deadline day, Sancho was loaned to Chelsea with an obligation to buy, unexpectedly creating a gap in United’s wide attacking options.
Antony has struggled to cement a place in the starting eleven, with just one start this season—a 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
Meanwhile, young talents like Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho are competing for playing time, and Rashford is finding his form again.
Still, with Sancho out, concerns have emerged over United’s wing depth as they approach the next transfer window.
Reports from Spanish source *Fichajes* suggest that Manchester United is now considering triggering the release clause of Athletic Bilbao’s rising star Nico Williams. The 22-year-old winger played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, particularly excelling on the left wing.
Williams is renowned for his lightning pace and ability to take on defenders, attributes that could add a new dimension to United’s attack.
His direct style of play would fit well with the team’s current setup. However, United isn’t the only club eyeing Williams—Barcelona is also interested, though their ongoing financial challenges may complicate their pursuit.
With a reported release clause of £48.5 million, United is seriously contemplating activating it next summer.
Roy Keane’s endorsement of Williams during Euro 2024, where he praised the winger’s “uncoachable” speed and called him “pure quality,” further solidifies United’s interest.
Should Manchester United finalize this transfer, Williams could provide much-needed versatility and a fresh attacking option on the wings. Given Barcelona’s financial issues, United could be in a favorable position to secure one of Europe’s top young talents next summer.
