The flying winger is Athletic Bilbao's biggest threat - but his head could be turned ahead of the Europa League meeting
19:43, 02 Apr 2025Updated 19:54, 02 Apr 2025
Nico Williams of Athletic Club has been linked with major clubs across Europe
Nico Williams of Athletic Club has been linked with major clubs across Europe(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Rangers have been labelled a team Athletic Bilbao should be sweeping aside as the Ibrox club have become embroiled in a claim surrounding superstar Nico Williams.
The two sides lock horns in the Europa League quarter-finals with the first leg taking place at the San Mames before the Glasgow return.
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And former Athletic manager Javier Clemente reckons his beloved club are still favourites to knock Rangers out of the competition - despite heeding a warning about the perils of the Govan cauldron.
Speaking ahead of the match, he said: "Athletic Bilbao are having a very good season.
"They are now entering the stage where one final push can bring up a brilliant season.
"They are going for a Champions League place and of course there is also the Europa League which they have a good chance of winning.
"Athletic got a pretty good draw because I think Rangers are a team they should be beating.
"But I warn them to be very careful about the [second] leg in Glasgow.
"The last ten games or so of the season will be the key and decisive ones."
Clemente had three separate spells in charge of Athletic Bilbao and led them to two La Liga titles.
The veteran coach also took the helm of Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Marseille and Espanyol as well as the Spanish national team.
But in his experience even he must admit brushing off Rangers is unwise, especially considering their record in this tournament in recent years.
Gers knocked out the likes of Borussia Dortmund and RB Liepzig en route to the 2022 final and this term Barry Ferguson masterminded the slaying of Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.
The tie also comes at a curious time for the Spanish club after reports emerged on Wednesday that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta held talks with Nico Williams' representatives over a summer move.
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The electrifying Euro 2024 winner has a £51m buy-out clause and has also been linked with Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Barcelona over the last 12 months.
Bilbao have stuttered since they knocked out Roma in the previous round, with Ernesto Valverde visibly frustrated by the recent 0-0 with Osasuna in La Liga.
And now the coach has to contend with his star player having his head turned at a vital point in the season.