Liverpool summer transfer exit announced as nine Reds stars send goodbye messages | Football | Sport
Rhys Williams has confirmed that he is leaving Liverpool this summer (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool have announced that a central defender who made his debut under Jurgen Klopp will depart the club when his contract comes to an end this summer. Rhys Williams made 19 appearances for the first team, all during the 2020-21 season, when the Reds finished third to qualify for the Champions League group stages. The academy product stepped up after Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk all suffered season-ending injuries.
Williams formed a defensive partnership with Nathaniel Phillips during the closing stages of that campaign, who departed Liverpool permanently last summer, signing for West Bromwich Albion. He has since spent a number of seasons away on loan.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Williams wrote: “From signing as a nine-year-old boy, to leaving as a 25-year-old man. This club has let me fulfil things that dreams are made of.
“It’s been an honour to wear this shirt, rub shoulders with legends and play for the greatest set of fans in the world.
“Thank you to all the players, staff and everyone who’s had a part to play along the way. I will be forever grateful to have represented this club. Thank you, Liverpool. YNWA.”
Conor Bradley responded on Instagram, writing: “All the best,” alongside a clapping hands emoji, while Curtis Jones also replied with a red heart emoji.
Seven other Liverpool academy stars, including the likes of Owen Beck, Kieran Morrison, Josh Davidson, Kornel Misciur and Jayden Danns also left comments. Williams received further well-wishes from ex-Reds players Georginio Wijnaldum and Divock Origi.
The club announced his exit hours later, stating: “Rhys Williams will leave Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract at the end of June.”
They continued: “Everybody at LFC would like to thank Rhys for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”
The defender has been on Liverpool’s books since he was a young boy (Image: PA)
Williams has spent this campaign turning out for the club’s under-21 side. He featured in a solitary Premier League 2 fixture against Fulham, which finished in a 1-1 stalemate.
The defender made three outings during the EFL Trophy group stages, wearing the captain’s armband during a 2-0 defeat to Burton Albion. They also suffered defeat to Crewe Alexandra by an identical scoreline.
Liverpool were knocked out at the first hurdle, but they bowed out on a positive note in what transpired to be Williams’ farewell match for the club.
They fought back from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw with Chesterfield courtesy of a Kaide Gordon double, the leveller arriving in the second minute of stoppage-time. Williams was cautioned for time-wasting as the Reds protected the result.
A penalty shootout ensued, and he converted their ninth spot-kick as Liverpool prevailed 13-12.
A month prior, Williams was amongst the first team substitutes for their League Cup third round encounter with Southampton, but remained unused.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page.
