ose Mourinho of Fenerbahce holds a press conference at Can Bartu Facilities in Istanbul, Turkiye on December 10, 2024,
Jose Mourinho holds a press conference prior to Fenerbahce versus Athletic Club
Jose Mourinho hopes that Nico Williams moves to Real Madrid when he eventually decides to leave Athletic Bilbao.
The Fenerbahce boss is set to face off against the Basque side and Williams on Wednesday afternoon. Mourinho will hope to stifle the Spain international in a bid to earn three points to make a late push for automatic qualifcation to the Europa League last-16.
Williams drew a great deal of interest after an impressive 2023/24 season in which he was a key part of the team that saw success in Euro 2024. Things have proven more difficult this season with Williams having only recorded two goals in 20 appearances, albeit with five assists.
The 22-year-old is said to have a release clause in the region of €58million (£47.8m) and was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal over the summer. Mourinho would prefer Williams to remain in La Liga however.
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"Nico is wonderful," said the former Manchester United and Chelsea manager. "At the last Euros, everyone was talking about Yamal, Yamal, Yamal… who is obviously another fantastic young player.
"But personally, I prefer Nico; he is a fantastic footballer. One cannot think that a Turkish club could sign him; I hope he ends up at Real Madrid."
Mourinho spent three years in the hotseat and the Bernabeu and admitted that he was still a fan of the club. "I am very much a Real Madrid fan; they have the best coach in the world, my friend Carlo," Mourinho added.
Nico Williams of Athletic Club looks on
Nico Williams of Athletic Club looks on ( Image: Ion Alcoba Beitia)
"In the future, it will be up to the club to decide whether they prefer a young coach like Xabi Alonso or someone with experience like Ancelotti.
"They could also consider promoting from within with Raúl or Arbeloa. Florentino [Perez] has not made many wrong decisions, and I’m sure he will get it right next time. We need to remain calm; I think the same as Carlo. The victories will come."
If Arsenal enter into the January transfer market, they may be more likely to look for reinforcements in defence than among their forward line. Mikel Arteta was without Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey for training ahead of the Gunners' Champions League clash with Monaco.
"The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well," Arteta said.
"We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. At the moment not for the better, but I'm positive that in a few weeks we're going to be in a better place."
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