15 Jan 2016

'The Panther' to Anfield? Liverpool keen to sign 'explosive' record-breaking €20m striker. Replace Sturridge?

Liverpool are reportedly considering a January move for Athletic Bilbao attacker Iñaki Williams, who is also wanted by Madrid clubs Real and Atletico.

The Guardian reports:

"Liverpool are monitoring Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams, who has a release clause in his contract of €20m. Liverpool have scouted him in recent weeks".

Some info about 21-year old Williams, who is nicknamed 'La Pantera' (The Panther):

* Right winger, who can also play on the left, or as a striker. Plays as a centre-forward for Spain's U21 side.

* Current deal expires: 2017. Atletico have a new contract on the table, which reportedly includes a €100m release clause.

* Fastest played in La Liga. Broke the record last season after recording a speed of 22.2 MPH during a 1-1 draw with Deportivo.

* 13 goals/4 assists in 47 games for Atletico (1 every 190 minutes). This season: 10 goals/3 assists in 21 games (1 every 114 mins)

* Ex-Red Mikel San Jose's assessment: "His [Williams'] performances are very good. We knew about his potential but we didn't expect him to perform so well so soon".

* Feb 2015: Became Bilbao's first black goalscorer in the club's 117-year history. Pretty shameful, really, and just underpins how Spanish football is still in the dark ages. Is it any wonder the fan-racism is rife in the Spanish game?

* Nov 2015: Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde raved: "He [Williams] came as striker, but he can play as winger. He has self-confidence, can score a goal, and is very explosive. He will be a great player."

With Daniel Sturridge reportedly on the outs at Liverpool, perhaps Klopp sees Williams as a potential replacement? He has all the attributes required of a (potentially) top-class striker: tall, strong, fast, skillful etc.

Then again, the same description applies to Divock Origi, and he is a millions miles away from being good enough to replace Sturridge.

Author: Jaimie K


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