David Ornstein: Tottenham eyeing move for cheat code forward who’s “absolutely frightening”

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among several Premier League clubs closely monitoring Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The 22-year-old has attracted attention from top clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich, as per The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

Williams, who has been described as “absolutely frightening” in his performances, is considered one of Europe’s most promising young talents. With a relatively low release clause of £46 million, interest in the Spanish international is expected to intensify, making a transfer in 2025 increasingly likely.

Despite his contract running until 2027, Athletic Bilbao are bound by the terms of Williams’ release clause. Ornstein highlights that any potential sale would only occur if the clause is activated, making his contract length irrelevant in negotiations.

The winger earns a substantial salary at Bilbao, but his release clause presents a bargain for a player of his caliber. While Williams has expressed a preference to avoid a winter move, Ornstein does not entirely rule out the possibility, especially with long-standing interest from multiple elite clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur.

Williams has enjoyed a meteoric rise in European football, delivering standout performances for Bilbao and Spain. In the 2023/24 season, he scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 appearances for his club.

His international contributions were equally remarkable, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory. Williams not only scored the opening goal in the final against England but also registered three goal involvements throughout the tournament. His ability to perform on the grandest stages has solidified his reputation as a game-changing player.

Known for his versatility, Williams can excel on either flank but has primarily operated on the left side for Bilbao this season. His ability to adapt and influence games from various attacking positions has drawn comparisons to a “cheat code” in football.

In the 2024/25 La Liga season, he has made 18 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his consistency and durability. However, his statistical output in La Liga—one goal and three assists in 13 games—indicates room for further development in converting chances and delivering decisive moments.

For Tottenham, the interest in Williams aligns with their potential need for reinforcements in wide attacking positions. Captain Heung-min Son’s future remains uncertain, as his current contract expires at the end of the season.

While Spurs retain the option to trigger a 12-month extension, discussions over a new long-term deal have yet to materialize. Managing their wage bill prudently, Tottenham appear cautious about offering Son a lucrative extension, potentially paving the way for a younger successor like Williams.

Williams’ ability to impact games with his pace, technical skill, and creativity could make him a perfect fit for Spurs’ attacking setup under manager Ange Postecoglou. His explosive style and attacking intelligence would complement Tottenham’s forward line while providing versatility across the flanks.

Furthermore, his relatively low release clause makes him a financially viable option for a club that seeks to compete with Europe’s elite while managing its resources effectively.

Statistical analysis underscores Williams’ potential to grow into a world-class winger. According to data from Fbref and Transfermarkt, he has an expected goals tally of 1.9 and an expected assisted goals tally of 2.2 in 953 minutes played during the 2024/25 La Liga season.

These metrics highlight his ability to create and convert opportunities, even if his current goal contributions seem modest. Such figures suggest that Williams could thrive in a more competitive and attack-oriented environment, making him an enticing prospect for a club like Tottenham.

The competition for Williams’ signature will undoubtedly be fierce, with top European clubs vying for his services. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool represent formidable domestic rivals for Spurs, while Bayern Munich’s interest adds an international dimension to the race.

Each club offers its own unique appeal, whether it be Champions League football, title contention, or the opportunity to develop under world-class coaching. For Tottenham, securing Williams would not only bolster their squad but also signal their intent to compete at the highest level.

As the transfer market approaches, Tottenham’s pursuit of Nico Williams will hinge on multiple factors, including their ability to meet his release clause, the player’s willingness to join the club, and the outcome of ongoing contract discussions with Heung-min Son.

Williams’ potential arrival could represent a significant step in Spurs’ evolution, providing them with a dynamic and versatile attacker capable of shaping their future. The decision to pursue Williams will reflect Tottenham’s ambitions both on and off the pitch as they seek to balance financial prudence with the need for footballing success.

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern football, players like Nico Williams represent the intersection of talent, potential, and market value. For Tottenham Hotspur, capitalizing on such opportunities could define their trajectory in the coming years, reinforcing their status as a club with the vision and resources to attract Europe’s brightest stars. Whether Williams ultimately chooses North London or another destination, his career promises to remain a focal point of attention as he continues to establish himself among the elite.