Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest

Premier League • England

Liverpool exit confirmed as Nott’m Forest announce signing of Neco Williams, with Steve Cooper ‘delighted’

Neco Williams of Liverpool

Neco Williams has officially left Liverpool by signing for Nottingham Forest on a four-year contract.

Williams made 33 appearances for Liverpool after graduating from their academy in January 2020. He had a loan spell at Fulham last season and the Cottagers began talks over a permanent move.

But the right-back will instead play at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest prepare for their first Premier League campaign in over 20 years.

Steve Cooper’s side agreed a deal with Liverpool for Williams on Thursday. According to John Percy of The Telegraph, they will pay £17million for the Wales international.

And the transfer has now gone through. Reacting to the move, Williams said: “I’m really excited to join Nottingham Forest and to help this great club move forwards in the Premier League.

“Forest are a club with incredible history and The City Ground is a very special venue that I can’t wait to experience in full voice in the coming weeks.

“Having spoken to the Head Coach, there’s a huge amount of ambition being shown at the club. I can’t wait to join up with my new teammates and get ready for the challenge ahead.”

Forest boss Cooper added: “Despite being only 21, Neco has established himself in the Wales starting XI.

Steve Cooper ‘delighted’ by Neco Williams move

“We believe that he’s got an incredibly high ceiling and that he can play a huge role for us at Nottingham Forest in our return to the Premier League. We’re delighted to have him on board.”

Williams could make his competitive Forest debut when they come up against Newcastle in the Prem on August 6.

Neco Williams, Wales v Belgium June 2022

Before then, the defender is likely to feature in some of the club’s pre-season friendlies. They include matches against Hertha Berlin, Union Berlin and Valencia.

Meanwhile, Forest are looking into the possibility of signing a Tottenham player, according to one journalist.