Spain forward Nico Williams has been the talk of the town in recent weeks, and for good reason.
Not only has been the youngster a revelation at Athletic Club, having quickly surpassed the stardom of his older brother and teammate Iñaki, but the 22-year-old was in red-hot form in the recently-concluded Euros, shining alongside the even younger Lamine Yamal, with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailing the duo having a “gift from god”.
After weeks of speculation and linked most prominently with Barcelona, Williams is now set to remain at Athletic for at least another year, with the club having handed him the #10 shirt recently. The young winger was also linked with a move to Tottenham not too long ago, but there’s one key factor that nipped the prospect in the bud.
Release clause stopped Tottenham from pursuing Nico Williams
As reported by The Telegraph, Nico Williams’ near-£50m release clause needed to be paid in one go by any club interested in him, which immediately put Tottenham off.
Spurs, after all, are not known to give in to demands like that. Even as they recently broke the bank for Domonic Solanke, the Lilywhites have committed only £55 million of the £65 million Bournemouth wanted, with the remaining pledged in the form of add-ons.
Williams’ €10.42m-per-year contract is set to keep him at the San Mamés until June 2027.
Even if they could, Williams was unlikely to arrive
Even if Spurs were willing to pay Williams’ release clause in one go, it is highly unlikely the youngster would have arrived given the other suitors interested in him.
Spurs have already become a club Williams would be deemed too good for in terms of perceived stature. Maybe in a few years, we may see the two unite, but it wasn’t going to happen this season.
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As they say in football, you can’t have everyone you want.
