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What’s the story?
In a recent interview, Inaki Williams has revealed that he had contact with Manchester United before signing a new deal at Athletic Bilbao.
The Spaniard was linked with a move away from the Basque team with United looking like his likeliest destination, but the 25-year-old ended up staying in Spain.
In case you didn’t know…
Williams was on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's wishlist this summer and the Premier League giants did make an effort to bring the pacy winger to England but failed, as he ended up signing a new nine-year deal with Bilbao.
The heart of the matter...
Talking to Spanish radio outlet Cadena Ser, Williams revealed that Manchester United did contact him and he said:
“I had contact from Manchester United but I cannot tell you who it was.”
“My number one option has always been to stay at Athletic Club and to retire here."
Ole wanted to strengthen his squad furthermore as Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez were set to leave the club for Serie A but could only bring in Daniel James to add firepower to their attack. Williams signing would have added that feisty pace and him alongside Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial would have been interesting to watch.
But it looks like the 25-year-old is out of bounds for Manchester United after he's penned a nine-year contract which includes a release clause of €135 million.
Inaki feels its time for him to pay back the faith the club entrusted him with as he said:
"Hopefully great things can come because what I want to make this club bigger, if possible.”
“This, as you can see, is my house, and all I want, I have it here. The club has always bet on me, it has given me everything, I feel it is my home.”
What's next?
Williams' loyalty to Bilbao is impressive, to say the least, considering how fickle-natured modern football has become. United's injury crisis might lead fans to believe that landing Williams would've been a coup, considering how short-staffed they are up top.
