“He’s been longing for the opportunity to play with Son”- Spurs chasing move for “one of the most coveted” stars in Europe who’s combination with Son can be the most deadly in Europe
Tottenham Hotspur has kicked off the transfer window with a significant acquisition, securing the services of highly regarded youngster Archie Gray from Leeds United. However, the North London club is not resting on its laurels and is reportedly targeting several attacking reinforcements to strengthen their squad further.
After narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification by just two points last season, Tottenham finished fifth in the Premier League under the guidance of new manager Ange Postecoglou. The club is now determined to clinch a top-four spot and return to Europe’s elite competition. With Gray already bolstering their midfield options, the focus is expected to shift towards enhancing their attacking prowess, likely through the addition of a new striker or a dynamic winger.
### Tottenham Eyes Nico Williams
According to sources from Football Insider, Tottenham is keeping a close watch on Athletic Bilbao’s exciting winger Nico Williams. The 21-year-old Spaniard has caught the eye of several top clubs, including Aston Villa, who are also long-term admirers. Williams has a £49 million release clause in his contract, but his wage demands could be a potential obstacle, as Barcelona has reportedly been deterred by his financial expectations.
Williams has been one of the standout performers at Euro 2024, making three appearances, scoring one goal, and providing one assist. His contributions have helped Spain to win all their group matches, setting up a quarter-final clash against Germany. His performances on the international stage have only heightened the interest in his talents.
Last season, Williams made 37 appearances across all competitions for Athletic Bilbao, scoring eight goals and providing 19 assists. His contributions were instrumental in Bilbao’s fifth-place finish in La Liga, an improvement on their eighth-place finish from the previous season. The team also scored 14 more goals compared to the prior season, with Williams playing a crucial role by adding eight goals and assists to his tally.
Williams’ 14 assists last season highlighted his elite playmaking abilities, particularly his knack for creating chances through his dribbling, 1v1 skills, and crossing. He excelled in ball-carrying metrics, averaging 5.69 progressive carries and 3.42 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 10% of wingers across Europe. His ability to navigate through tight defenses, beat his marker, and deliver precise crosses makes him a highly coveted asset.
Should Tottenham secure Williams’ signature, his partnership with Son Heung-min could be a game-changer. While Son has traditionally played from the left with Harry Kane centrally, a similar dynamic could develop with Williams operating on the wing and Son moving into more central positions. This would alleviate the creative burden on Son, allowing him to focus more on goal-scoring opportunities, where he excels with a goals-xG (expected goals) of +0.15.
As Zach Lowy aptly put it, Nico Williams “is going to be one of the most coveted wingers in the transfer market this summer.” His combination of speed, technical ability, and creativity makes him an ideal fit for Tottenham’s attacking ambitions. If Spurs manage to bring him to North London, it could significantly boost their chances of securing Champions League football and competing at the highest level next season.