Inaki Williams, a forward for Athletic Bilbao, has confirmed rumours that he would sign for Liverpool in 2019. But his long-standing commitment to the Basque team prevented him from making the move.
The 28-year-old switched allegiance from Spain and made his debut for Ghana during the international break. He has long been mentioned as a target for Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds were prepared to exercise the €88 million release clause in Williams’ contract. This was at the time, according to an earlier report in the Spanish daily AS. Williams had just finished an excellent season in which he scored 12 goals in La Liga. Soon after, he agreed to a new deal with San Mames that would last until 2028, raising the buyout price to an even obscene €135 million.
When asked particularly about Liverpool in a lengthy interview with AS, Williams responded: “I had the option to leave. There were several contacts when I remained firm in my beliefs.
“Although it’s good that clubs like these are attempting to sign you, I’ve always been clear that Athletic is where I want to be.”
Inaki Williams made his 203rd consecutive appearance for Bilbao last season. Shattering the La Liga record for most consecutive appearances in a single season. The forward joined the team in 2014, and in April 2022, he will have missed no games for the club in six years.
