Decision made regarding Nico Williams, Real Madrid has already informed Athletic Club.
Despite recent rumors, Madrid confirms it will not pursue the winger—preferring to allocate resources elsewhere this summer
Real Madrid has officially denied any interest in signing Nico Williams, directly informing Athletic Club de Bilbao to dismiss the recent claims published by Marca. The report had suggested that the Spanish giants were eyeing the talented winger as part of their summer reinforcement plans.
However, according to journalist Jesús Gallego on El Larguero (Cadena SER), Madrid clarified its position to Athletic Club, stating:
“They are not interested in the player and have no idea where the rumors are coming from.”
With that call, the transfer “bombshell” seems to have been defused. Real Madrid considers the left-wing position already well covered by Vinícius Júnior, who is expected to sign a contract renewal soon. Investing significant funds—around €58 million—in a player considered to be a downgrade from their current starter would make little sense.
A move for Nico Williams would only have been plausible if Vinícius were to leave the club, which is not at all expected this summer.
Madrid’s Priorities Lie Elsewhere
The funds that would have gone toward a Williams transfer will instead be redirected to reinforce other areas in greater need. Real Madrid’s summer plan, under incoming coach Xabi Alonso, prioritizes bolstering the defense and midfield.
Confirmed arrivals so far include Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Álvaro Carreras from Benfica is also close to joining to strengthen the left-back position ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in June, hosted in the United States.
After the tournament, the club will re-evaluate its squad needs—likely turning its attention to midfield. Big-name targets such as Florian Wirtz and Enzo Fernández are being considered, though both would require transfer fees exceeding €100 million.
Florentino Pérez Plans Major Investment
For the first time in several years, club president Florentino Pérez appears ready to make a major financial push in the transfer market. Following a disappointing season in which FC Barcelona had the upper hand domestically, Real Madrid is determined to reassert dominance in both Spain and Europe.
With a high-stakes Club World Cup on the horizon and the ambition to reclaim continental glory, Madrid is building a squad designed to be unmatched—and Nico Williams, it seems, won’t be a part of that project.
