Real Madrid considering Nico Williams if Rodrygo leaves

Manos Staramopoulos • 21 de mayo de 2025

The name of Athletic Bilbao's international left winger Nico Williams has been increasingly mentioned in Real Madrid's offices lately.

Nico Williams, Real Madrid objective for the next season. He`s the great star of Athletic Club.

The name of Athletic Bilbao's international left winger Nico Williams has been increasingly mentioned in Real Madrid's offices lately. The young player from Ernesto Valverde's team has become a very attractive prospect for Real Madrid, who are seriously considering signing him ahead of the new season.


The deal is certainly not easy, but it is not impossible either. In fact, it is relatively simple: all that is needed is to pay the €58 million release clause set after his latest contract extension with the Bilbao team. Real Madrid's interest in Williams was revealed by the newspaper Marca.

Real Madrid's management, which has gathered a lot of information from its people, has been very satisfied with Nico's profile. He is a young, explosive footballer with great appeal in the media and among the fans, but also from a commercial point of view he is good. Of course, the fact that he is also a key figure in the Spanish national team is another strong motivation.


In addition, in Valdebebas, they estimate that the impact that would be achieved by removing one of Barcelona's main targets (they have been chasing him since last season) would certainly cause some serious issues. Of course, on the other hand, it is true that since the Brazilian Rafinha found his good self, the Williams issue has become secondary for the Blaugrana.


Nico's transfer to Real Madrid would undoubtedly be a success, a transfer with great appeal that could partially balance the rising talent of Lamine Yamal on the national football scene.


But his arrival would inevitably entail changes in Real Madrid's attacking line. Brazilian Rodrygo would be the main candidate to leave the club if the deal, which is already being discussed internally, is finally completed. Although a final decision has not yet been made, the question in the halls of Valdebebas is increasingly being asked: Why not Nico? The price is very convincing for those who support the deal: 58 million for a Galactico.


Rapid development


Nico Williams' career has been developing rapidly in recent years, reaching its peak last summer at the European Championship, where he became a sensation in Europe along with Lamine Yamal.


This season, he has once again been key for Athletic Bilbao with his speed, dribbling and ability to break through the lines, reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League and securing qualification for next season's Champions League.


Last season, he was very close to signing for Barcelona,​​but the Blaugrana club's fragile financial situation prevented the completion of a deal that had already begun. Now, with a relatively affordable release clause and proven performance, his name is once again in the sights of the big teams.


Physically, Nico has been struggling with a groin injury in recent weeks, which has kept him out of action, and his condition is in question ahead of the final match of the season, against Barcelona this coming Sunday.


For now, he remains a doubt, although Bilbao have not ruled out his availability to finish the season on the pitch. Should the opportunity arise and Madrid show interest, Sunday's match at San Mames will be his last.


Manos Staramopoulos

Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs

Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com

Athens (Greece).

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