Euro 2024 may well have sharpened Liverpool’s senses when it comes to their summer transfer targets.
The tournament in Germany has so far been an enjoyable feast of football while club matters are put to one side.
For Liverpool fans there is plenty to keep an eye on. 10 of the first-team squad are turning out for their nations while several players to have been linked with the Reds have also been in action.
It’s unlikely that the Liverpool recruitment team will make any decisions based purely on what they see at Euro 2024. However, performances in the competition could help to inform FSG and Arne Slot’s judgement.
And as the decision makers at Anfield watch on, rumours have ramped up that they are now set to push ahead for one of the stars of Euro 2024 so far.
Athletic Bilbao worried Nico Williams will leave
Liverpool look likely to move to sign both a centre-back and a new forward this summer. It seems possible that Reds supporters saw both of these new additions in action against each other on Thursday.
From the centre-back point of view, credible links have come to Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori. The left-footer looks like a real talent.
But up against Calafiori in Gelsenkirchen was a player who has really captured the imagination: Spain’s Nico Williams.
Williams was so good against Italy that he earned high praise from former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge. “Lamine Yamal is top class and Nico Williams is doing bits!” raved Sturridge.
“These 2 guys are abnormal in terms of wingers for Spain. Speed, skill and direct! Spain have a bright future with these 2.”
READ MORE: Nico Williams should be Liverpool’s top target playing at Euro 2024
Since then, journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Liverpool have ‘asked for information’ on Williams. And now Spanish outlet AS Diario report that the Reds are one of the sides really pushing for the 21-year-old.
AS claim that Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea join Liverpool in their pursuit. This has reportedly led to ‘serious fear’ from Athletic Bilbao that Williams is about to leave.
The Copa del Rey champions supposedly ended the season ‘convinced’ that Williams would stay with them next season. But after the approaches of clubs such as Liverpool, it’s no said to be ‘unclear’ whether that will be the case.
The player himself is claimed to be ‘in no rush’ to decide his future and will treat his boyhood club ‘delicately’ as he does so.
Liverpool firmly in Nico Williams race
While Liverpool look to sign a new forward this summer, Williams has just outed himself as a real top candidate.
The Spaniard was electric against Italy and at just 21 has plenty of scope to improve further. As a result, it is no great surprise to see Liverpool firmly in the race.
Despite their interest though, there is a stumbling block for the Reds in their pursuit of Williams. Journalist Graeme Bailey told Rousing The Kop back in May that Williams will demand mega wages to join Liverpool.
In fact, Bailey insisted that the Spain international would want to become the club’s top earner should he move to Anfield.
Clearly, that is never going to happen. That is, rightfully, not the way Liverpool do their business.
If Williams’ stance remains the same on this, then don’t expect the Reds to be in the race for too long. Should he be a little more realistic though, then maybe things can change.