Real Madrid transfer news: Los Blancos 'eyeing £49m Spain star' as replacement for unsettled Rodrygo

Rodrygo replacement: Real Madrid 'eyeing £49m Spain star'
© Imago
Real Madrid are allegedly giving serious consideration to moving for Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams this summer.

Real Madrid are reportedly giving serious consideration to moving for Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams during this summer's transfer window.

The 22-year-old has scored 11 times and registered seven assists in 44 appearances for Athletic this season, but he has only found the back of the net on five occasions in Spain's top flight this term.

Barcelona activated the €58m (£49m) release clause in his Athletic contract last summer, but he decided to remain at San Mames in the hope of leading the Lions to Europa League glory this term.

Ernesto Valverde's side were knocked out in the semi-finals of the competition by Manchester United, though, with Williams missing the second leg of their last-four contest through injury.

Arsenal continue to be linked with Williams, but it is understood that Barcelona have cooled their interest, as the Catalan team are not looking to bring in a left-sided forward this term.

Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams pictured on March 13, 2025© Imago

Real Madrid 'seriously considering Williams move'

According to Marca, Real Madrid are considering making a move for the Spain international, with the attacker emerging as a 'very attractive prospect' for the capital giants.

The report claims that Los Blancos view Williams as the ideal replacement for Rodrygo, with the Brazil international potentially leaving Bernabeu during this summer's transfer window.

Rodrygo, who has 13 goals and 10 assists in 50 outings this term, has admirers from the Premier League, and the capital giants will need to bring in another forward if the former Santos youngster does move on at the end of the season.

Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams on August 15, 2024© Imago

Real Madrid could change formation next season

Real Madrid could switch to a 3-4-3 system next season, with Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso widely expected to arrive as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement.

Kylian Mbappe will again lead the Los Blancos attack in 2025-26, with the France international scoring 41 times in all competitions during an excellent first season at Bernabeu.

There remain question marks surrounding Vinicius Junior, though, as the Brazil international continues to be linked with a big-money switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Williams, who is a left-sided forward, is a bargain option considering his release clause, and with the Spain international proven at the top level, it is not difficult to understand why Los Blancos are said to be eyeing a move this summer.


VOTE IN THE 2024-25 SPORTS MOLE READERS' AWARDS!

Voting is now open for the annual Sports Mole Readers' Awards, where you can pick your player of the season, manager of the season, signing of the season and much more.

Click here to make your selections, and the winners will be announced on Monday, May 26!


ID:573082:1false2false3false: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5622:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Nico Williams

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid's Raul Asencio and Aurelien Tchouameni pictured on January 16, 2025
Read Next:
Carlo's crisis worsens as Real 22-year-old 'very likely' to miss Sevilla game
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CLiverpool38259486414584
2Arsenal382014469343574
3Manchester CityMan City38218972442871
4Chelsea38209964432169
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle382061268472166
6Aston Villa38199105851766
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest381981158461265
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton38161396659761
9Bournemouth3815111258461256
10Brentford38168146657956
11Fulham38159145454054
12Crystal Palace381314115151053
13Everton381115124244-248
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham381110174662-1643
15Manchester UnitedMan Utd38119184454-1042
16Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38126205469-1542
17Tottenham HotspurSpurs38115226465-138
RLeicester CityLeicester3867253380-4725
RIpswich TownIpswich38410243682-4622
RSouthampton3826302686-6012


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!