**Liverpool are in the market for a new forward to compete with Cody Gakpo and potentially replace Mohamed Salah in either the short or long term.**
The Reds are not enjoying a season as promising as last but there is a lot of potential in the squad.
Arne Slot needs a new centre-back before an attacker but Liverpool are looking at bolstering the attacking lineup further after over £300m in attacking signings in the summer.
While Antoine Semenyo has been heavily linked, there is a whole host of clubs vying for his signature and should they fail to sign him, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams has been mooted as an option.
Nico Williams weighing up Premier League move amid Bilbao’s poor form
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Bilbao are not doing well this season and while Liverpool are in the same boat, there is a lot more potential for things to turn around at Anfield given the vast amount of quality at Slot’s disposal.
According to Spanish news outlet [Fichajes](https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/oferta-95-millones-fichar-nico-williams-20251218.html), Liverpool are one of the clubs that could snap Williams up.
The report states that Liverpool have _“already made preliminary contact to gauge the winger’s availability, who is confident of having an outstanding World Cup to reaffirm his status as a world-class player._
_“Liverpool will spare no expense, following in the footsteps of the multi-million pound signings of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, building a dream squad to conquer every title.”_
The big problem: €95m release clause
------------------------------------
After a summer in which Liverpool spent a total of £466m, the Reds need to be very careful not to misstep.
Williams is an exciting player but despite 11 goals and seven assists last season, is he worth the €95m (£83m) release clause in his contract?
Bournemouth’s Semenyo is available for £65m in January and with Premier League experience, would be a smarter move.
If Semenyo is unavailable and Liverpool are serious about Williams, they will need to be absolutely certain he is worth the money because Liverpool cannot afford any more scrutiny with regards to their transfer activity.