In a perfect world, Newcastle United will sign Nico Williams this summer. However, we do not live in a perfect world.
The Magpies are in the market for a player just like him, with Paul Mitchell tasked with adding a new winger to Eddie Howe’s squad. Newcastle United have a £100million transfer budget, most of which is expected to go towards exactly that.
Nico Williams is an affordable option for Newcastle United, due to the release clause in his contract. He is available for £47million, and clubs are queuing up to sign him after his Euro 2024 heroics.
The 22-year-old was one of the best players of the entire tournament, helping Spain go the distance. He even scored in the final against England, netting the opener as they beat the Three Lions 2-1 in Berlin.
Why Newcastle United know they can’t sign Nico Williams
Williams’ ability is no secret, and that is perhaps to the detriment of Newcastle United.
With each passing performance, it has become clearer and clearer that the Magpies are not going to be able to sign him. If Williams is going to sign for anyone, it will be for a club that is competing in the Champions League. In contrast, Newcastle are not able to offer any European football.
But that is not the main issue when it comes to the Magpies’ pursuit of Williams. However, it is a pursuit that is going nowhere.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle United know that they will not be able to meet Williams’ wage demands to bring him to St James’ Park this summer.
Newcastle United missed their chance with Williams
That is a shame, as getting Williams in alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon would be quite the statement of intent. It would have been a blockbuster signing that made the rest of the Premier League stand up and take notice.
Alas, the Magpies will be looking elsewhere. Williams’ wage demands are too much, with it previously claimed that he is looking to receive in excess of £250,000-a-week if he is to leave Athletic Bilbao.
On top of that, Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Williams wants to sign for Barcelona, while Barca president Joan Laporta recently stated that they can afford him. However, the Athletic add that those comments have not gone down well at Barcelona given the financial issues that they continue to experience.
There could end up being a situation in which Williams goes nowhere. That may allow Newcastle to revisit him in the future, but for now he is not heading to Tyneside.
Newcastle first wanted Williams in January 2023, and that may have proven to be their only genuine chance to get him. Now the Magpies are being forced to look elsewhere.
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