Florentino Pérez plans to make several changes to the Real Madrid squad for next season. In recent weeks, the president has tried to gather information about a transfer that Laporta had tied up, but was unable to close: Nico Williams. The Spanish international is of interest and, although he's not a priority, he's on the Merengue team wish list.
The Real Madrid Exclusive portal has highlighted that Nico Williams has become liked at Madrid and could end up at Bernabéu soon. However, it's too early to know what his fate will be. After all, Athletic Club wants to renew his contract with the intention of increasing his release clause.
Nico Williams's contract includes a buyout clause of just 58 million euros, which Florentino Pérez sees as a real bargain. He's a striker he likes a lot and who would also help him "Spanishize" the squad. As if that weren't enough, it would also be a hard blow for Laporta, who had him as a priority last summer but was unable to sign him.
What Florentino Pérez is clear about is that he doesn't intend to "play" with Athletic Club as Laporta did. If he decides to sign Williams, he'll inform the club and offer the possibility of paying a price higher than 58 million. The payment would be divided into installments, however. If the answer is negative, he'll pay Nico's release clause immediately.
Nico Williams Leaves a Man Injured at Real Madrid
The arrival of Nico Williams would mean that one of Real Madrid's players would have to leave. This one has a name and last name: it's Rodrygo Goes. Since the arrival of Mbappé, he has lost importance in the squad and this transfer of Florentino Pérez would be the final blow to the Brazilian's career at Santiago Bernabéu.
However, everything is still to be decided. Nico Williams has become a target for Real Madrid, who has overtaken Laporta and his Barça in the fight for the striker.
But the reality is this: it's only November and there's still a long way to go. Nico Williams is liked, fits in and is cheap, but Florentino Pérez hasn't made a decision yet.
There are other priorities at Real Madrid, so once they are dealt with, they'll start to seriously consider Nico Williams. They like him very much, though, and Laporta knows this.