Manchester United ‘ready to bid’ for £48m star who Roy Keane says is “pure quality”

Manchester United are now willing to sign a £48.5 million star who Roy Keane was a big fan of during the 2024 European Championships.

During the 2024 summer transfer window, Manchester United made significant strides in bolstering their roster, with Erik ten Hag bringing in five new first-team players: Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte.

Alongside these signings, the club successfully offloaded several players, including Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay, Jadon Sancho, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, raising over £120 million in transfer fees.

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While these changes reflect a proactive approach, many supporters feel the team still has gaps that need filling. As a result, Manchester United is already preparing for the 2025 summer transfer window, signalling their commitment to enhance the squad further and improve their competitive standing in the league.

The club have continued to be linked to Jarrad Branthwaite, and Spanish winger Nico Williams is another man they are seemingly reentering the running for next summer.

Interest in Williams

According to the latest news from Spain, United are determined to beat Barcelona to the signing of Williams next summer and are likely to make “a considerable financial effort” to get the deal done.

Williams’s current Bilbao contract, which expires in 2027, has a release clause of around 58 million euros (£48.5 million).

However, it is also noted that Barcelona will not go down without a fight, with Williams being considered an “undeniable” option for the Ctalan club to have in their attack for the future.

Roy Keane approves

Although many within football knew of Williams’ talents, the 22-year-old exploded onto the world stage during the 2024 European Championships.

As part of Spain’s winning team, Williams scored in the final against England, contributing three goals over 494 minutes and hitting a top speed of 35.8km/h.

During the tournament, former United captain Roy Keane was gushing about the winger, explaining that Williams has “pure quality” that managers cannot coach.

“Pure quality. He has pace, you can’t coach that. When he gets one-vs-one against the full-back, he’s in all sorts of trouble.”

With Antony likely leaving next summer, Williams would be a perfect fit to add to the club’s growing plethora of young, fast, and talented wingers.

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