Inaki Williams rise to becoming one of Athletic’s best players hasn’t gone unnoticed. The 22-year-old has shown that he can play at a very high level and that he will only continue to improve.
His pace, passing, and ability to play anywhere across the front line makes him very dangerous and other clubs have begun to take notice. Over the last year, Liverpool and Juventus have sent scouts to watch him play, but now there is another club that has turned an eye to the Lezama graduate.
According to a recent report from DEIA, Italian side Napoli are said to be interested in signing Inaki Williams in hopes that he can take over for winger Jose Callejon.
Athletic fans have grown accustomed to hearing about interest in Inaki Williams and the fear of losing him is understandable. However, there is no reason to believe that the 22-year-old will be leaving Bilbao anytime soon. To begin with, he currently has a buy-out clause of €50 million euros that both Juventus and Napoli will be unwilling to match. Athletic’s transfer policy dictates that they will never sell for less than the release clause so that definitely helps protect their prized asset.
More importantly, the forward has gone on record several times to pledge his future to the club that has given him everything. Last summer, when Liverpool was ready to match his release clause, Inaki signed a new contract and raised that clause because he wanted to send a message about his commitment to Athletic and playing at the San Mames. Since then, he has given an interview in which he had the following to say about any potential move.
“I am calm about rumors, my representatives handle all that. I have great pride in being here and being a part of this big club. I am honored to come here every day and be with my teammates and coaches. I have no intentions of leaving. The best have to play here and I have them by my side. A change of scenery is always difficult, I think everyone is happy at Athletic. Again, I am calm and very comfortable here. I have no intentions of going anywhere. I am at the biggest club and interest from others only flatters me. I want to be here for many years, hopefully for my career. I have always said that this is where I want to be.”
In today’s football world those are strong words from such a young and talented player. Inaki and his best friend, Iker Muniain, has been at the forefront of calling for players to be solely committed to Athletic Club and that won’t be changing anytime soon.