Nico Williams: The Risks of Liverpool's Winger Gamble

Can Nico Williams fill Salah's shoes at Liverpool?

Assessing Nico Williams' skills and stats as a potential Liverpool signing. Nico Williams' stats and potential analyzed as Liverpool considers him to replace Mohamed Salah.

Nico Williams' stats haven't exactly been eye-popping - five goals and five assists in 29 LaLiga games last season...

Nico Williams is being touted as a potential replacement for Mo Salah at Liverpool, but it's a big ask. The Athletic Bilbao winger is talented, but Liverpool's expectations and Salah's boots are hard to fill.

Williams has been impressive, but his style and role might not directly fit Liverpool's needs post-Salah. The club needs a player who can match Salah's impact and consistency, and Williams isn't necessarily that guy

Salah's Potential Exit Looms

Mohamed Salah might be on the move before the World Cup kicks off, with tensions running high at Liverpool. The Egyptian star's explosive comments suggested someone at the club was trying to shift blame onto him for the team's poor form, making it a point of no return.

Nico Williams isn't necessarily the answer for Liverpool, especially considering the player's current form and salary expectations. With only four goals and six assists in 18 Premier League appearances, he's not exactly setting the league on fire.

And let's be real, £400,000 per week is a lot to pay for a player who's 34 and has one year left on their contract. Liverpool needs someone who can make a real impact, and Williams' stats don't quite justify the price tag.

Salah's Exit Window Opens

Liverpool might want to consider easing Salah out now, especially if they want to get a decent fee for him. With his contract expiring next summer, it's a seller's market, and they'd be wise to explore options before his value drops.

Liverpool's real problem is finding someone to fill Salah's boots - he's a unique player. Nico Williams is getting rave reviews, and Europe's top teams are eyeing him. But can he handle the pressure of replacing Salah?

Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal formed an incredible partnership internationally, and they almost joined forces at Barcelona. Williams chose loyalty to Athletic, but now he's stuck in a tough spot, unable to play for Los Leones indefinitely.

Nico Williams is dealing with a tough time, suffering from pubalgia, a groin issue similar to Lamine Yamal's. Athletic Club's given him total rest, and he's not expected to play until he's fully recovered.

Nico Williams is in high demand, with Barcelona and Arsenal reportedly interested. But his pubalgia injury is complicating things - if it drags on, clubs won't get a chance to see him in action before making a decision.

Mohamed Salah has launched an astonishing attack on Liverpool. Says he feels "thrown under the bus" and revealed relationship with Slot has broken down.
Insists "someone does not want me in the club" and left the door open to a possible exit in January.https://t.co/6UW3eXo3zg

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) December 6, 2025

Barcelona and Arsenal might not need to splash €80m on Williams, given their current squad depth. Barca's got Lamine, Raphinha, and Rashford, while Arsenal's Martinelli and Saka are doing great in wide areas.

Liverpool needs someone to fill Salah's massive shoes, and Nico Williams is a contender. He's got the skills and potential, but his injury issue complicates things. Compared to Bowen and Barcola, Williams brings a different dynamic, but would he be the right fit for Liverpool?

Can Williams Fill Salah's Shoes?

Nico Williams faces a tough challenge matching Salah's 2024/25 stats (29 goals, 18 assists in 38 EPL games), considering his injury issues and last season's numbers. Can he step up and deliver for Liverpool?

Nico Williams' stats haven't exactly been eye-popping - five goals and five assists in 29 LaLiga games last season, and it's a similar story throughout his career. Can he suddenly take a big leap and match Salah's impact?

Nico Williams' stats haven't been spectacular - zero goals or assists in 34 LaLiga games in 2021/22, six goals and four assists in 36 games in 2022/23, and five goals and 11 assists in 2023/24. That's decent but not exactly Liverpool-level quality, especially in the tough Premier League.

Nico Williams is flashy with his skills and pace, but Liverpool needs someone who delivers goals and assists. Being able to beat markers is great, but it needs to translate into results.

Williams' Stats Paint a Mixed Picture

Nico Williams' numbers look flashy at first glance - 177 take-ons, 264 possession wins. But dig deeper, and it's less impressive: 501 take-on attempts, only 57 possession wins in the attacking third, and 1090 possession losses. Liverpool wouldn't want to gamble on him being the next Salah.

💥 Nico Williams signs eight-year contract extension at Athletic Club, until 2035.

The red and white winger will stay the next ten seasons at the club of his heart and his release clause increase more than 50% over the previous one.#NicoWilliams2035 #AthleticWIN 🦁

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) July 4, 2025

Nico Williams' stats aren't exactly screaming “Liverpool-level player.” 36 successful crosses vs 135 unsuccessful, 179/466 dribbles completed, and ~70% pass accuracy - there's room for improvement, especially in the Premier League.

Nico Williams radar graphic - LaLiga 2025/26 | Opta by Stats Perform

Nico Williams is still young, turning 24 before the new season, and has potential to grow. Anfield could be the perfect place for him to develop, but let's be real, he's rough around the edges and needs refinement.

Liverpool's current form raises questions about signing Nico Williams for the 2026/27 season, despite his style fitting Arne Slot's playing approach. The Reds are sixth in the Premier League, and Slot's focus is on strengthening the squad, not weakening it.

Williams, 23, has a release clause of around €90 million (£83 million), but Liverpool might offer €75 million (£65 million). He's seen as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah in the long term, bringing pace and direct dribbling to the team.