Inaki Williams has opened up on interest from Manchester United in the summer before he signed a new contract to stay at Athletic Bilbao.
The 25-year-old forward was viewed as a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku at United after he left on deadline day to join Inter Milan in a £73million deal.
And speaking to Spanish outlet Cadena Ser, Williams has confirmed he did speak to United before he signed a new nine-year deal with the Basque giants.
'I had contact from Manchester United but I cannot tell you who it was,' Williams said.
'My number one option has always been to stay at Athletic Club and to retire here. Joining Real Sociedad? No, I could never go there. 100%.'
But Williams did not show any signs of unease in committing his future to Athletic Bilbao in one of the longest player contracts seen in European football.
The deal, which takes Williams through until 2028, includes a £125m release clause.
pehbilnu
0
We need you to play for Liberia national team
29356899(deleted)
0
Was that before or after you had contact with the little people from Mars.
mootje111
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This is bad news. Williams's my favourite player outside of Liverpool.
yeah
mootje111
0
This is bad news. Williams's my favourite player outside of Liverpool.
are u also a liverpool fan?
Dokbelpt
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Nine year deal
Vipacdknot
0
we don't want this guy inaki.
Andredu
2
Good on Williams. Hard to find players with the same mentality these days, let’s hope Bilbao don’t sell him.
Sedoso
1
Bilbao don't sell players.
YashAaditya
0
poor player he'll never score 25 goals a season
airopeek
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city activated Williams's release clause, so they couldnt really do much
technology
1
They do though, it's just very pricey most of the times.
smartjuo
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I guess it's almost impossible to replace anyone. Have they ever nearly changed their Basque policy?
possi
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It's the same reason why Kepa is the most expensive keeper of all time. Bilbao managed to increase his release clause a few months before his Chelsea move.
Charleses
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They might do if they ever get relegated, La Real also used to only play basque players before they went down to the segunda.
Keviis
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I didn't know relegation caused it but I knew they signed a few brit/Irish players when they stopped their policy. It's admirable in a way but also seems a bit outdated to me (bilbao)
Abbyabbie
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Well according to my fifa careers, Williams always goes to Spurs
Djangone
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Good man. Williams can become a legend here. Already a cult figure
Bromenshenkel
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We often call them Bilbao in England to be fair mate
oJames
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They put Williams in the stands after he refused to renew his contract and he left on a free.
wishing
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Left on a free after they refused to sell Williams
opaque
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Outdated is a matter of perspective and what you want the club to represent. If it’s simply winning then yes but that’s not really their goal.
materialism
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We "don't" sell, only with release clause, that's why Llorente went free.
oisjing
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There have been some cases with latin-americans with basque ancestors (Higuain, for example), but it was declined by the fans.
babysogane
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It's a way to promote local (regional) football.
addition
0
Agreed, Williams became a legend for being the captain AND never wanting to leave even when Real Madrid came with a blank check to sign him.
ppogbaa
0
This is bad news. Williams's my favourite player outside of Liverpool.
FCBmessi
0
They put Williams in the stands after he refused to renew his contract and he left on a free.
unclelim
0
Someone activating your mandatory release clause isn't selling.
Josephs
0
So you can call Athletic Club whatever you want but then turn around and get salty when Americans say soccer? Bit of a double standard
Ellaalabt
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I’m not talking specifically about Williams who Every time I’m on an online soccer thing I see at least one, usually more “stupid yanks it’s football”
potatoe
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Then yes, that's a stupid double standard. There's no reason that a Yank should say football instead of soccer unless they're in a group of Brits.
campuser
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Thank you for being reasonable. Sorry I attached that to you
liabilities
0
They weren't in the second division when they signed Aldridge were they?
Loversad
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Why? They'd lose their identity by getting rid of it and even if they did, they're too far behind the other big clubs to then become a big challenger
Underworld
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does love it as per an undisclosed source. Can't give more information, sorry.
tebklnrsu
1
OK na, stay there
jutbekty
1
It must be wrong number.
EAsoft
1
Is this real???
hamedttt
2
but didn't sign him cause he is not british