Man Utd prepare €80m offer to fix Carrick's biggest problem

Robin Bairner

13 Mar 2026 08:02 CDT
3 min read

Manchester United are reportedly preparing an €80 million offer for Athletic Club superstar Nico Williams ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

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The Spain winger snubbed significant transfer interest from Arsenal and Barcelona in favour of signing a lucrative new contract last year, but rumours of an exit have resurfaced in recent weeks.

Current ETV

Nico Williams

F, M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

F, M (L)

Athletic

ETV Range

€64.7M - €79.1M

Williams’ new deal at Athletic Club isn’t due to expire until 2035, however reports suggest that he could be sold this summer if a suitable bid is submitted by any interested party.

Arsenal and Barcelona have both been tipped to rekindle their interest in the 23-year-old, in addition to Chelsea, although Man Utd have now emerged as strong contenders to sign Williams amid their pursuit of a new left winger.

That is according to a report from Fichajes, who claim that the Man Utd hierarchy are currently discussing an €80m offer as they look to fight off significant competition for the Spaniard’s signature.

It’s reported that Man Utd have earmarked Williams as a priority target for the 2026 summer window, with the club eager to finalise a deal as they look to challenge for major honours once again next season.

Nico Williams to join Man Utd?

Man Utd are expected to sign at least one new central midfielder this summer, following confirmation that Casemiro will depart when his contract expires in July, and they have identified a number of top targets, including Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.

However, the left wing position is also in need of addressing, with Alejandro Garnacho sold to Chelsea last summer and Marcus Rashford set to join Barcelona on a permanent deal when his loan spell concludes at the end of the season.

© IMAGO - Man Utd are reportedly interested in signing Nico Williams this summer

Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu have both been deployed on the left flank since the interim appointment of Michael Carrick, but it’s a position that Man Utd are expected to look at in the market this summer.

In fact, when asked about Man Utd’s lack of options on the left, Carrick recently told reporters: “It's something to look at [signing a left-winger]. I think Matheus [Cunha] can play in that position. Amad can do it too. We have very good options all over the front line.”

Despite Carrick’s assertion that he has options on the left, none of his attackers are best-suited to playing on that flank and it’s evident that Man Utd will look to sign a new left winger this summer.

Williams has reportedly been sounded out as a top target for the role, although the Red Devils are also interested in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.