Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Nottingham Forest, Fulham pursue Neco Williams transfer as Liverpool reveal preferred deal

Neco Williams in action during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier play-off final match at Cardiff City Stadium

Liverpool have reportedly told defender Neco Williams he can move away on loan next season, with Nottingham Forest and Fulham interested.

Originally, it was reported that Liverpool were seeking a £15m fee for the Welsh international. Having spent half a season on loan with Fulham last campaign, Williams has now been told he is surplus to requirements at Liverpool. However, it now seems a permanent move away from Anfield is unlikely.

According to The Mirror, Williams has been told he can leave the club on loan next season.

A return to Craven Cottage is on the cards, while play-off winners Nottingham Forest are also keen.

The 21-year-old most recently started as a left wing-back for Wales against Ukraine earlier this month. A 1-0 victory secured Wales’ spot in the 2022 Qatar World Cup this winter.

That being said, Williams will now be hoping to secure regular first-team football to earn a spot in the Wales squad for the torunament. Given Liverpool’s defensive options, this is unlikely to be the case under Jurgen Klopp.

The recent announcement of Calvin Ramsey will only push Williams further down the pecking order, making a move away even more neccessary.

In the 2020/21 campaign, Williams was a regular starter as Liverpool suffered numerous injury concerns. He made 23 appearances, as well as experiencing Champions League football.

Neco Williams can help newcomers to safety

Neco Williams, Wales v Ukraine June 2022

This experience could be vital for either Nottingham Forest or Fulham.

Last season, Williams impressed the Fulham faithful with his consistent performances. The Cottagers battled hard to claim the Championship title, and will be hopeful they can cement themselves as a regular Premier League side for future seasons.

Forest had top earn promotion the hard way. After finishing fourth, they beat third-placed Huddersfield 1-0 in a controversial play-off final to earn a top flight spot.

One of the stand-out performers in Forest’s squad was loanee Djed Spence. Now returning to Middlesbrough, Spence is expected to be moving elsewhere permanently this window.

Whether he rejoins Forest or not remains to be seen. However, what he undoubtedly proved is how important strong wing-backs are in the Forest set-up. He could be a key performer in the left wing-back position currently occupied by Jack Colback.

For Fulham in the 2021/22 campaign, Williams played as part of a back four in the right back spot. Should he once again join the London side, he would add some much-needed top flight experience to the squad in that position.

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