Last Updated:December 12, 2024, 13:29 IST

Jose Mourinho, being a former Real Madrid manager, hoped the Los Blancos secure Nico Williams’ signature in the future.

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho heaped praise on Nico Williams ahead of his side’s Europa League 2024/25 clash against Athletic Bilbao. Almost 24 hours before kick-off, Mourinho gave glowing praise to the Spanish youngster in a pre-match press conference. “Nico is unique, he is wonderful,” Mourinho said, as per Football Espana. The Portuguese manager even went to the extent of choosing the 22-year-old over Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal. “During the European Championship, people were talking a lot about Lamine Yamal, who is obviously another wonderful kid, but I personally prefer Nico,” the Fenerbahce manager concluded.

Jose Mourinho, being a former Real Madrid manager, hoped the Los Blancos secure Nico Williams’ signature in the future. He also opined it would be difficult to see the Spanish youngster in the Super Lig anytime soon. Mourinho felt that no Turkish club had enough to offer to Nico. “He’s a fantastic player. You can’t think that a Turkish club can sign the boy. I hope he ends up at Real Madrid,” the Fenerbahce manager said.

Nico Williams drew a great deal of interest after a stellar 2023/24 season. He played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024, ending the nation’s 12-year wait for European glory. This season, however, Nico Williams has struggled with form. The 22-year-old has just managed to score two goals in 20 appearances. He has also provided five assists in these matches. Nico reportedly has a release clause in the region of €58 million. He was heavily linked with a move to top club sides like Arsenal and Barcelona. Despite the massive interest, Jose Mourinho hopes that Nico remains in Laliga.

Jose Mourinho served as Real Madrid’s boss for three years from 2010 to 2013. While Mourinho has been away from the Spanish top flight for over a decade, he continues to be a Real Madrid fan. “I am very much a Real Madrid fan; they have the best coach in the world, my friend Carlo. He’s doing very well,” Mourinho said, as per ESPN. Talking about a potential return to Spain, Mourinho added, “The future depends on what the president [Florentino Perez] wants, if he wants a young coach with a big projection as Xabi [Alonso] or continue in the same line as Carlo, a coach with experience, or look at the youth section [Madrid reserves coach] with Raul or [Madrid youth team coach Alvaro] Arbeloa. It depends.”

While Jose Mourinho is not ruling out a Real Madrid move, he will be looking to make the best of his time in Turkey. The Portuguese manager will currently have his focus set on securing a victory over Athletic Club on December 11 at the Surkru Saracoglu.