We have completed our fifth signing of the summer with defender Neco Williams arriving on a permanent deal from Liverpool.
Here is everything you need to know about the 21-year-old’s footballing journey so far…
Born in Wrexham in April 2001, Williams joined the Liverpool academy at the age of six, progressing through the youth ranks and playing at U18, U19 and U23 level.
A serious back injury restricted him to limited playing time in 2017/18, but recovered to help Liverpool win the FA Youth Cup, starting at right-back in their penalty shootout win against Manchester City in the final.
Having impressed in the youth ranks, Williams’ form was recognised when he was handed his first team debut in October 2019, starting in an enthralling 5-5 draw against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup round of 16. He marked his debut with an assist for Divock Origi in the last minute of normal time before Liverpool went on to win 5-4 on penalties.
Williams was named in the Liverpool squad which won the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2019, and following the turn of the year, he earned game time in the FA Cup against Everton and Shrewsbury Town, named in Liverpool’s youngest-ever starting line-up against the latter.
Following the COVID pandemic, Williams was handed his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace in June 2020, going on to make five further league appearances to earn himself a medal as Jürgen Klopp’s side won their first ever Premier League title.
After impressing domestically, Williams’ form was recognised by Wales as he earned his first senior call-up in August 2020, making his debut the following month against Finland in the UEFA Nations League. Three days later, he netted his first international goal in a 1-0 victory over Bulgaria.
Making 14 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions in 2020/21, with 10 of those coming in the Premier League and Champions League combined, Williams started twice and featured three times for Wales at Euro 2020 as they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Denmark.
Last season, Williams made eight appearances for Liverpool before embarking on his first loan move away from Anfield, joining Fulham on January transfer deadline day.
The full-back made 14 appearances for the Cottagers, including a 77-minute outing against Forest in April, registering two goals and two assists for Marco Silva’s side as they went on to win the Championship title.
Williams, along with Brennan Johnson, helped Wales qualify for their first World Cup in 64 years last month, playing the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 play-off final win over Ukraine.
After a 13-year spell in Merseyside, Williams now reunites with Johnson to become our latest summer signing, with 13 Premier League appearances, seven Champions League appearances and 21 international appearances under his belt.
Welcome to Nottingham Forest, Neco.