Neco Williams has departed Liverpool to sign for Nottingham Forest after both clubs agreed a deal for an undisclosed fee.
Williams began his career at Liverpool aged six where he graduated through the Reds’ youth ranks, which saw him handed his senior debut in a Fourth Round penalty shoot-out victory over Arsenal in 2019-20 EFL Cup in late October 2019.
The 21 year-old has gone on to make 33 senior appearances for Liverpool in total despite the form of first-choice right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and was part of the Reds’ team that won FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League titles in his first season of senior football.
Last season saw Williams join Fulham on loan on Deadline Day of January transfer window, where he contributed two goals and assists apiece in 15 appearances as the Cottagers were promoted as champions of 2021-22 Sky Bet Championship.
Speaking about his decision to join Forest, Williams said that he is “really excited” to make the move and help Forest look to avoid instant relegation back to the Championship.
The 21 year-old also spoke of Forest’s history and future ambition as he said: “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 and I can’t wait to join up with my new teammates and get ready for the challenge ahead.”
Williams also took to Twitter to post a farewell message to Liverpool supporters, in which he pledged to continue to support the club:
15 years at this special club, thank you for everything @LFC it’s been an honour to play for this club and to play under Jurgen Klopp. But I’ve now decided to take up a new challenge??
I wish all the team and the staff the best of luck for the future and will always…. pic.twitter.com/93JcMjZD0A
— Neco Williams (@necowilliams01) July 11, 2022
continue to support the club. ❤️
Thank you and never forget YNWA !!!
— Neco Williams (@necowilliams01) July 11, 2022
Forest’s Head Coach, Steve Cooper hailed Williams as “a very talented right back” with experience across club and international football, having scored twice in 20 international appearances for Wales since September 2020 and was part of the team that qualified for 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Cooper also spoke about Williams’ importance this season and development potential as he added: “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.”
Liverpool issued the following statement on Williams’ departure in which the club commented: “Everybody at Liverpool FC would like to thank Neco for his contributions to the club and wish him the very best of luck for the future.”
Williams will participate in training for Forest today and could make his debut in a pre-season friendly away at Burton Albion tomorrow (12 July), with his competitive debut set to come away to Newcastle on 6 August.
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