Liverpool are keeping a close watch over some potential transfer targets at Euro 2024.
The tournament in Germany is coming up to the end of its second week, with the Group Stage almost finished.
So far, it has been a fairly disappointing affair for those Liverpool players involved. Andy Robertson’s Scotland have already exited, while criticism surrounds Virgil van Dijk and the Netherlands.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is another to be having a difficult summer so far, with Gary Neville suggesting that Alexander-Arnold will be ‘devastated‘ with what’s been going on with England.
Amid all of that though, the tournament itself has actually been really enjoyable. And Liverpool fans could yet be cheering on some of the stars of the competition back at Anfield.
Liverpool still in the race for Nico Williams
As the days go on and more teams begin to drop out of the Euros, the transfer market should start to liven up a little.
It has been a cagey old window so far as teams wait for the international tournaments to pass. Liverpool have been no different and Arne Slot is yet to make his first signing as head coach.
For now, it seems likely that when it does arrive, that initial addition will be a new centre-back. Liverpool continue to keep in contact with Lille for Leny Yoro, for example.
As well as a new defensive signing though, Slot is also reportedly looking to bring in an attacker.
One such player to have been linked so far – and incidentally a player who has lit up the Euros – is Spain winger Nico Williams.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s top target at Euro 2024 has just become completely clear
And according to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool should not be ruled out of entering the race for a forward who has been deemed ‘scary‘ by opposition defenders at Euro 2024.
“Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is having an outstanding Euro 2024 for Spain so far, but suitors are well aware a deal is problematic,” Jacobs says in The Daily Briefing.
“Williams has a release clause of over £45m, which is seen as value in the market, but the overall cost of a transfer is still expensive – the deal comes with taxes and Williams would expect a wage of in excess of £200k-per-week,” adds the reporter.
“Chelsea are not in the race. They ruled out a bid for Williams before they tried for Michael Olise. Barcelona appreciate the player but not the price. For his part, Williams is very open to that move. Arsenal and Liverpool still can’t be discounted and are both in the market for a winger this summer.”
Nico Williams looking to be Liverpool’s highest earner
As Jacobs mentions, the issue with Williams appears to be that his wage demands are simply astronomical.
Journalist Graeme Bailey previously reported that Williams was looking to be the highest earner at Liverpool should he arrive. Obviously, there is no chance of that happening.
The 21-year-old is clearly a very good player. His exceptional display against Italy in particular this summer has brought his talents to a wider audience.
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, for example, was full of praise for Williams after watching him dismantle the Italians.
But regardless of all that, the Athletic Bilbao man is still young and has done nowhere near enough to warrant that kind of pay packet.
The way we see it, the only way Liverpool do come in for Williams is if he significantly lowers his demands.