Liverpool have long been linked to Athletic Bilbao attacker Inaki Williams and the 22-year-old Spaniard is aware and flattered by our interest.
He’s a talented inside forward, capable of playing wide or up top and would definitely add the kind of speed and dynamism to Liverpool’s squad which currently only Sadio Mane does.
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Asked by Sportium (translated by IBT) about reported interest from Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, Williams replied: “A lot of news about that coming but I’m calm. If they are looking at me it’s because I’m doing things right. I am privileged. If one day I have to leave I will be very honest with Athletic. They have given me everything. I do not want to make a change. Staying at Athletic is my first choice right now.
“It is always good that they speak well about you. Those things do not distract me. I give my best every time I play. Defending the Athletic shirt is an honour. There is a lot of history behind it. We are one of the great clubs in Europe.”
In terms of attributes, Williams reminds us of Divock Origi in many ways. He’s quick, strong and skilful – but his decision making (or lack of) suggests he’s still raw. This term, he’s been deployed mainly on the right-wing, scoring four goals in all competitions and registering five assists – a fairly modest return.
For this reason, there’s no way we should be meeting his €50m release clause – which was put into his most recent contract – signed until 2021.
If were going to break our record transfer fee, it should be a player who will immediately boost our starting XI and there’s no guarantee Williams would do that.
Besides, Klopp is much more keen on Julian Brandt, Bayer Leverkusen’s talented German winger – and we expect Liverpool to try and sign the 20-year-old rather than Bilbao’s Spaniard.