Inaki Williams strikes but crushes out of Copa to Barcelona

Inaki Williams continued his impressive goal scoring run for Athletic Bilbao with his eleventh goal of the season in their Copa defeat to FC Barcelona.

The 21 year old forward celebrated his new four and half year deal with an opening goal for his Basque side in a thrilling 3-1 defeat to the reigning Spanish champions.

The much sought after Basque born Ghanaian attacker recently swerved a switch to English football to sign a contract extension that will see him stay at the San Mames till the summer of 2021.

Bilbao lost the opening leg at home 1-2 to their Pamplona based European heavy weight but Williams 12th minute strike levelled the tie earlier at the Camp Nou. The 21 year old feasted on a sumptuous ball from Aritz Aduriz to silence the roaring camp nou after a sustained pressure from Ernesto Valverdo’s men.

Barcelona returned from recess in class as Messi teed up Luis Suarez for the equaliser eight minutes into the second department of the game. The pendulum swung away from the 2015 Copa del Rey Finalists in the last few minutes as Neymar and Pique scored late goals to end the match 3-1 as Barcelona progress to the semi finals on a 5-2 aggregate.

Williams boast of the highest scoring player in Europe top five leagues under the age of 21 years.

Inaki Williams strikes but crushes out of Copa to Barcelona

Liverpool turn to Inaki Williams

Liverpool have turned their attention to highly rated Bilbao Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams in search of attacking options upfront.

The Reds have been ravaged by injury woes with only Christian Benteke the orthodox striker to fall on.

Williams has been on the wish list of the two Madrid giants before their transfer ban ruled out any eventual switch in La Liga.

The highly rated 21 year old Spanish born Ghanaian is reportedly nagging at extending his deal with the Saint Mames side ahead of an imminent departure. The much sort after Bilbao attacker has since registered 10 odd goals despite missing the early part of the season due to injury.

German trainer for Liverpool Jurgen Klopp has been a long time admirer of the sensational forward and buy out clause of £20m would have been money well spent.

The reds have been dwarfed by options upfront with injuries to Daniel Sturridge, Danny Inngs, Divok Irigi and a plethora of other attacking players for the five times European champions.

Athletic Bilbao will however drag their feet at any potential deal in a bid to tie him down with a mammoth £100m buy out clause and a bumper pay rise.

Liverpool turn to Inaki Williams

Ernesto Valverde desperate to hold onto Inaki Williams

Head coach of Athletic Bilbao Ernesto Valverdo is desperately hoping to tie down high flying Ghanaian midfielder Inaki Williams despite interest from a number of clubs.

The veteran trainer at the Saint Mames remains confident of holding onto his prize asset but admits differences in contract extension.

Williams has since on the transfer radar of the top notch European clubs led by Real Nadrid and Liverpool.

The 21 year old Ghanaian will be free to leave in the summer of 2017 but has stalled any further contract extension.

A reported interest from the two Madrid clubs has now overshadowed by a concrete interest from Liverpool with a buy out clause of £20m appealing to the suitors.

“We are working hard to extend Williams contract. The club are trying to close the deal but it is taking longer than it should. I hope it will be resolved soon.” Valverdo revealed ahead of Sunday’s liga match.

The manager further heaped praises on his record breaking Ghanaian attacking sensation amid imminent departure from the Saint Mames.

“His talent and goals will be very difficult to replace”.

Willams has since racked in 10 goals despite his early season injury setback. Athletic Bilbao lost Kike Sola to Middlesbrough and will do everything humanly possible to tie their their Ghanaian forward

Ernesto Valverde desperate to hold onto Inaki Williams