"I want to have a great year at Athletic," - Nico Williams quells Real Madrid transfer rumours

The 22-year-old, who was a chief transfer target of Barcelona this summer, has witnessed a transfer move to their sworn rivals mooted in recent days

Ghanaian winger Nico Williams has said he is looking forward to having a great season with Athletic Bilbao after being heavily linked with a transfer move to La Liga giants Real Madrid this summer.

 A recent report by a controversial Spanish talk-based channel El Chiringuito has claimed that the talented winger has been penciled down by the record UEFA Champions League holders as a possible replacement for Brazilian attacking winger Vinicius Junior should he head to the Saudi Pro League given a reported $1b eye-watering bid for his services.

 And now, with the current transfer window coming to a close in the coming days, the most sought-after talented winger across Europe has doused the transfer rumours in the media, insisting he would stay put at the Estadio de San Mamés for the just started football campaign.

 "I want to have a great year at Athletic," the 22-year-old is quoted as saying by DefensaCentral when asked about the transfer rumours linking him to Real Madrid this summer.

His contract with his current employers is due to expire in June 2027 and suitors would have to splash €70m on his head before they can land him in the near future as per his transfermarkt valuation.

 He has so far figured in 3 league games for Athletic Bilbao in the just started 24/25 Spanish La Liga season.

Nico, who is a sibling to Ghana Black Stars forward lnaki Williams, opted to represent the Spanish senior national team at the international level.