Nico Williams 'asks to join Man Utd' in sensational €90m summer transfer

Suraj Radia

14 Apr 2026 08:01 CDT
3 min read

Nico Williams has reportedly informed Athletic Club over his desire to leave and join Manchester United this summer, according to a sensational new report.

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Williams has been a standout winger in La Liga ever since breaking into Athletic’s first team, although the 23-year-old has struggled with injury this season and been limited to just 16 league starts.

Having been strongly linked to the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona throughout his career, Williams has remained loyal to his boyhood club and signed a bumper new contract with the Basque side last year, keeping him in Bilbao until 2035.

However, Catalan outlet El Nacional have claimed that Williams is now ready to take the next step in his career and has informed Athletic of his intention to leave this summer in the hopes of joining United.

It is stated that Williams sees a move to Old Trafford as the ‘ideal’ destination as he would play an important role for United as a replacement for Marcus Rashford if the forward completes his permanent move to Barcelona.

Athletic Club are said to have ‘no intention’ of facilitating Williams’ departure, although the situation could change if the Spanish international insists on leaving and an offer close to his €90 million release clause is received.

Williams price tag could prohibit Man Utd transfer for Athletic star

United are hoping Barcelona take up their €30m buy option in Rashford’s loan in order to generate money to strengthen at left wing, with the position understood to be a priority to upgrade at for the Red Devils this summer.

© IMAGO - Nico Williams has struggled with injury this season.

Although United’s top target is believed to be RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, the club have held a long-standing interest in Williams and would consider his signing for the right price.

However, a €90m valuation would prove a stumbling block for United given that they are also targeting a similar level of investment in two central midfielders.

United are described as being prepared to make a ‘significant effort’ to secure Williams’ signing, including by meeting his release clause, but it remains to be seen whether a deal is feasible financially.

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