Report: Leeds have sign £16m Nottingham Forest defender last summer, now he could leave in January…

According to the Telegraph, Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams was a summer target for Leeds United despite being a regular for Steve Cooper’s side in 2022-23 – and he might leave on loan.

Williams, 22, joined Forest in the summer of 2022 after a £16m move from Liverpool. He was largely first choice for Steve Cooper in his first season at Forest, playing 36 times. But this term, he has struggled.

The Wales international, who plays alongside Joe Rodon, Dan James, and Ethan Ampadu on the national squad, has made only one Premier League appearance this season. Serge Aurier is the first choice, and he has even skippered Forest on occasion.

Leeds were looking for a right-back in the summer and ended up getting Sam Byram on a free transfer and Djed Spence on loan from Tottenham. Spence, of course, has only made one sub appearance since signing due to injury.

The Telegraph reported on Friday that Williams was a summer target for Leeds. Due to a lack of playing time, he may contemplate leaving on loan in January. It will be fascinating to see if Leeds is still interested.

Had Leeds not signed Spence in the summer, Williams would have been brilliant. Able to play on either flank, Williams would have been able to cover some issues we have at full-back – on both sides.

Byram is playing on the left, on his weaker side. Luke Ayling, Jamie Shackleton and Archie Gray have been used on the right flank – but none have put a marker down. Spence is likely to when he is fit.

But had Spence not joined, Williams would have been brilliant – not least because he would have teamed up with three of his Wales teammates. It is unlikely Leeds revisit a move given, our options at full-back.

The Wales star – a National teammate of Joe Rodon, Dan James and Ethan Ampadu – has managed just one Premier League start this season. Serge Aurier is first choice, even captaining Forest on occasion.

Leeds were after a right-back in the summer, eventually signing Sam Byram on a free and Djed Spence on loan from Tottenham. Spence of course, has managed one sub outing since joining, due to injury.

The Telegraph report on Friday that Williams was a target for Leeds in the summer. His lack of game time now, could see him consider a loan exit in January. It will be interesting if Leeds remain interested.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *