FC Bayern Munich had Nico Williams on their radar last summer, but a transfer ultimately fell through due to several factors.
According to a report from Sport Bild, two specific reasons prevented the 23-year-old Athletic Bilbao winger from signing with the German record champions.
Firstly, the player’s financial demands were reportedly exorbitant. Williams was seeking a fixed annual salary of 22 million euros, with additional bonuses and premiums.
Max Eberl had previously acknowledged these differing expectations in the summer, shortly after Williams surprisingly extended his contract with Bilbao. The FCB Sporting Director stated: «When we heard the salary demands just to talk to the player, Bayern Munich backed out very quickly and said: Okay, then we won’t do it.»
Beyond the significant financial discrepancies, another factor played a crucial role in the rejection of the 23-year-old. According to Sport Bild, Williams did not meet the profile developed by Eberl with the help of a data firm.
Bayern Opts for Luis Diaz Over Nico Williams
Specifically, the winger’s defensive work rate raised concerns among Bayern’s leadership, casting doubt on his suitability for coach Vincent Kompany’s preferred system, which emphasizes high pressing and a defensive line far up the pitch. Ultimately, the conclusion was reached that Williams would have been too significant a risk factor for the coach’s very offensive playing style.
This exact desired profile was ultimately found in Luis Diaz, whom Bayern signed from Liverpool for approximately 70 million euros instead of Williams. Diaz has since made an immediate impact, becoming an indispensable starter in Kompany’s first eleven and excelling with outstanding performances and statistics.
Williams, on the other hand, remains under contract with Athletic Bilbao. His contract runs until 2035, but with modest statistics (13 goal involvements in 31 games), his market value may be significantly smaller next summer.