Real Madrid News
Real Madrid contact Athletic Club over Nico Williams with firm stance – report
Real Madrid have firmly distanced themselves from speculation linking them with a move for Athletic Club forward Nico Williams.
According to a report from Cadena SER (via SPORT), the Spanish giants have officially informed Athletic Club that they have no interest in the 22-year-old winger, and that they are unaware of the source of the transfer rumours connecting them to the player.
Nico Williams has been touted as one of the most sought-after players this summer, with a €58 million release clause that makes him an attractive target for top clubs across Europe.
Given his electric pace, ability to beat defenders, and increasing influence with both Athletic Club and the Spanish national team, it is no surprise that he continues to be at the centre of transfer speculation.
Real Madrid are not interested
However, Real Madrid have made it clear that he is not on their agenda for the upcoming window.
Sources close to the club insist that there is no interest in signing wide players this summer, as the current attacking roster, featuring the likes of Vinicius Jr., Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe, already provides sufficient depth and quality on the flanks.
Instead, Real Madrid are focusing their energy and resources on bolstering the midfield. Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is said to be one of their primary targets, with the German star viewed as a long-term replacement for veterans like Luka Modric.
Wirtz’s technical brilliance, vision, and versatility make him an ideal candidate to fit into a midfield that is already evolving with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Despite Real Madrid’s public denial, Nico Williams is expected to remain a hot property throughout the transfer window.
His consistent performances in La Liga and eye-catching displays for Spain have made him a target for Premier League clubs, who admire both his skill set and the relatively accessible release clause.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
