EXCLUSIVE: Athletic Club keen to tie down Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams to long-term contract

By El Akyereko Frimpong
Follow the writer on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

Spanish La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao are close to tying down could-be Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams to a new long-term deal, the player’s agent has confirmed. 

Inaki’s current contract runs until 2017 and Athletic also want to significantly increase his release clause of €20 million and tie him down to the club until 2020.

The 21-year-old’s agent, Félix Tainta, is in constant contact with the club and the intention is to reach an agreement on a new deal.

Williams said recently that 'Athletic is a unique club, the best in the world', sending a clear message that he wants to continue. His brother, Nico, also plays there in the youth tanks. He is a similar player to Iñaki, a quick forward, and the club has high hopes for him in the future.

Iñaki has already played 25 matches for the Athletic first team, scoring three goals. He made his debut in the Champions League in the clash against Napoli and scored a crucial goal in the comeback against Elche (2-3) in the last match of the season. He also scored the club's consolation goal in the Copa del Rey final defeat against Barcelona.

Inaki was born to a Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean parents but has featured for Spain’s U21 side though he could play for either of his parent’s countries as well.

The Ghana Football Association has openly expressed interest in Inaki with President Kwesi Nyantakyi publicly revealing his Association’s intent about the talented forward who scored in all competitions for Athletic last season.