Neco Williams has left Liverpool on loan. The 20-year-old joined Fulham for the rest of the season late on deadline day last night (fulhamfc.com).
There were claims earlier in the day that the Welshman wasn’t going anywhere (The Athletic). Williams was reportedly willing to stay at Liverpool and fight for his place.
But the chance to join Fulham’s promotion push proved too good to turn down, causing Williams to have a rethink. We think it’s a great move for the right-back.
Everybody wins
There was little chance of Williams adding many more games to the eight he’s played for The Reds this season. He is firmly behind Trent Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order.
It’s true that Liverpool are still fighting on all four fronts. But as we move towards the business end and the games get bigger and bigger, Trent is unlikely to miss out too many times.
From Williams point of view, he needs to be in the best shape possible for next winter’s World Cup. Although he will in theory be back at Liverpool by then, it’s important that he plays as much as possible to ensure his chances of going, should Wales get there.
It also gives him a chance to iron out parts of his game away from the scrutiny of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
From a Liverpool point of view the move makes even more sense.
Largely as a result of his international form, Williams value remains relatively high. He has played well when give the chance by Jurgen Klopp – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain called his display away to AC Milan in December “outstanding” (liverpoolfc.com).
But if he can perform regularly for a promotion-chasing side who are scoring at will, his value will shoot up further.
It appears the case that the 20-year-old’s long-term future lies away from Liverpool. This is a wise move to ensure that when the time does come for Williams to move on permanently, they get the return that the youngster’s talent deserves.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
