Liverpool have identified their primary target to eventually succeed Mohamed Salah, with the club setting its sights on a specific winger for the 2024 summer transfer window.
According to reports from the British newspaper The Telegraph, Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, has made Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish international Nico Williams their chosen candidate to fill the role long-term.
The 21-year-old winger has a release clause in his contract with Athletic Bilbao set at €58 million (£49 million). Liverpool’s management views this figure as reasonable for a player of his caliber and potential.
Williams, who has been impressive for both club and country, is currently with the Spanish national team at Euro 2024 in Germany. His performances there are being closely monitored by the Anfield hierarchy.
The report states that Liverpool’s plan is to make their move for Williams in the summer of 2024, anticipating that Mohamed Salah will enter the final year of his contract at that point. The strategy is to secure the Spanish star’s signature well in advance of any potential departure for Salah.
This proactive approach is designed to avoid a last-minute scramble for a replacement, especially with the Saudi Pro League expected to renew its interest in Salah. The Egyptian forward was the subject of a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023, an offer Liverpool rejected.
While Salah’s future remains a topic of discussion, Liverpool are preparing for all scenarios. The club’s decision to target Nico Williams signals a clear intent to plan for the future, ensuring they have a top-tier successor ready when the time comes for a transition on the right wing.
