Liverpool continue to assess their options in the transfer market as Euro 2024 trundles along.
Whilst an enjoyable watch, the summer tournament is perhaps the main culprit in Liverpool failing to make a signing so far.
It can be difficult to do business for players who’s heads are with their international teams. Many managers may even employ a ‘no transfer discussions’ policy.
For Liverpool, perhaps this is not the worst thing in the world this year. With Arne Slot only just starting on the job, the new head coach has plenty to do without the distraction of transfers.
But the time to move will soon need to come for the Reds, who could do with one or two additions to the first-team squad. And when it does, they should now know exactly who to target.
Liverpool should make Nico Williams move
It can be unwise to sign players on the back of international tournaments. As meticulous as the Liverpool owners usually are in the transfer market, they’ll know that.
Gone are the days when the likes of El Hadji Diouf could somehow earn themselves a move to Anfield on the back of a good showing at a World Cup or a Euros.
In some ways, we miss those days. It was always a thrill to see a new player like Diouf light up the big stage out of nowhere.
Nowadays, club scouts – and fans – are well aware of the players they’re watching months and years before they take to the field.
READ MORE: One player Liverpool should look to sign from every single Euro 2024 squad
Nevertheless, players are still able to ‘breakout’ in tournaments and hit a level previously unseen. At Euro 2024, the man to do that has so far been Spain’s Nico Williams.
The 21-year-old was absolutely electric during his country’s 1-0 win over Italy on Thursday. Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge was bowled over. Wowed by his speed, skill and direct style, Sturridge labelled Williams ‘abnormal‘.
From a Reds point of view, they should have already been well aware of the Athletic Bilbao forward’s qualities. Liverpool have reportedly been tracking Williams for some time now.
And after what he showed against Italy, Slot and co should now be fully invested in bringing him to Anfield.
Liverpool can sign Nico Williams for £49m
One of the drawbacks of signing a player based on an international tournament is that their price is likely to sky-rocket immediately after the conclusion of the competition.
In Williams’ case, this is not going to happen, though. Taking to X on Friday, journalist Fabrizio Romano said that the Spaniard has a £49m release clause in his Athletic contract.
“The release clause into Nico Williams’ contract at Athletic Club is worth almost €58m [£49m], after agreement on new deal few weeks ago,” says Romano.
With Liverpool actively looking for a new forward this summer, Williams surely has to have shot to the top of the list.
As Sturridge says, he’s fast, skilful, direct and dangerous. He also wouldn’t need negotiating for with Athletic and is very much within Liverpool’s price range. Keep your eyes on him over the next few weeks, Reds.