Liverpool turned down an offer from Southampton for Neco Williams, according to reports. The Reds don’t want to lose the player.
This comes from Sky Sports. They claim Southampton made an offer to loan Neco Williams for the rest of the season.
Liverpool said no, however. They see Williams as ‘important backup’ and weren’t willing to let him go elsewhere.
Southampton, who have searched far and wise to find a right-back today, will have to look elsewhere.
What RTK has to say
Sensible move from Liverpool. If Joe Gomez were still around to cover right-back, we might have been tempted, though.
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Williams would get much more regular football with Southampton than he’s currently getting. Playing at Premier League level could have seen some rapid development.
And, in the long run, that only benefits Liverpool. They could get back a player with more confidence and who has learned under a top coach like Ralph Hasenhuttl.
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But while there are positives, this is one that just didn’t make sense for Liverpool.
They’re already suffering injuries all over the squad and have done all season. It makes no sense to trim your numbers down, then.
Williams is the only natural cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool need him around.
Hopefully, this is one they can revisit in the summer, though. Perhaps not Southampton but it suggests there are decent Premier League clubs willing to give Williams some first-team football.
It’s exactly what he needs right now, in order to build confidence and know-how. We’re going to cross our fingers that a similar offer arrives once the season is done and Liverpool have a deeper squad.
For now, though, Williams has his part to play. And the way injuries have been, it likely won’t be long before he gets a game or two in the Premier League.
