Bayern Munich's interest in Williams waned due to his wage requirements
In a significant move for German football, Bayern Munich's star player Thomas Müller has announced his departure from the club after the Club World Cup in the United States. Meanwhile, the Bavarian giants are on the hunt for reinforcements in attack, following the exits of Mathys Tel, Leroy Sané, and Müller himself.
One potential target for Bayern Munich has been Spanish footballer Nico Williams, currently playing for Athletic Bilbao. However, financial constraints have ruled out a move for the highly coveted player, with his salary demands reportedly too high for the German club.
Williams' contract extension with Bilbao, which runs until 2035, has seen him become the best-paid player in the club's history. His new salary, estimated at around €10 million per year net, includes performance-based bonuses related to goals, assists, and appearances for the Spanish national team. The contract also features a substantially increased release clause of over €95 million, reflecting the club's intent to keep him amid strong interest from major clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Despite the attractive offer, Bayern Munich's sporting director, Max Eberl, has stated that Williams' salary demands were beyond their reach. Eberl declined to disclose the exact salary demands for Williams, citing confidentiality.
Meanwhile, Mathys Tel has joined English club Tottenham Hotspur permanently, leaving a gaping hole in Bayern's attack. Sané, another departing player, has signed for Turkish traditional club Galatasaray Istanbul on a free transfer.
The Club World Cup quarter-final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain is scheduled to take place in Atlanta. As the team prepares for this crucial match, the search for new talent continues, with Eberl remaining tight-lipped about potential signings.
[1] Source: Marca (https://www.marca.com/futbol/bilbao/2023/02/01/5fc276e72260005844863664.html) [2] Source: AS (https://www.as.com/futbol/2023/02/01/primera/1675207742_387592.html) [3] Source: Goal (https://www.goal.com/news/nico-williams-agrees-new-deal-with-athletic-bilbao-including-95m-release-clause/18711554) [4] Source: Sky Sports (https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11327/12225378/nico-williams-agrees-new-deal-with-athletic-bilbao-until-2035)
[1] Despite the interest in Nico Williams, Bayern Munich's financial constraints have prevented a move for the Spanish footballer, whose salary demands are reportedly too high for the German club.
[2] With Thomas Müller, Mathys Tel, and Leroy Sané gone, Bayern Munich need to strengthen their attack, and European leagues such as the Premier League could be targeted for potential signings.
[3] Sports analysis suggests that the departure of these key players could impact Bayern Munich's performance in upcoming matches, including the Club World Cup quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
