Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that “it’s not easy” letting ‘exciting’ defender Neco Williams leave the club this summer.
Williams has joined newly promoted Nottingham Forest in a deal believed to be worth in the region of £17 million.
The Welshman impressed on loan at Fulham last season as the Cottagers won the Championship title, but returned to Liverpool surplus to requirements.
New signing Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen essentially replaces Williams as the player to provide adept cover and competition for first choice Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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The Scotsman’s arrival at Anfield opened the door for Williams to depart the Merseyside club and after a host of clubs attempted to sign him, including Fulham, Southampton and PSV, Forest won the race.
Klopp has expressed how difficult a decision it was to let a player of such promise go, speaking to the club’s official website.
“It’s not easy to let him leave if I’m being honest, but he deserves to be playing regularly."
"He’s earned the right to be ready for his international team for this tournament coming in the winter,” the German boss said.
“I’m proud of the part we have played in his growth and development- I mean the entire club, not just as a first-team environment.
“Our academy deserves a special mention. They produce so much talent and Neco’s progression is something they can be very proud of.
“We wish him success and look forward to seeing him continue on his journey, albeit now from a distance.”
The 21-year-old leaves Liverpool after having made 33 appearances for the club’s first team and earning a Premier League winners medal in the 2019/20 season.
He is expected to be involved in Rob Page’s Wales squad for the World Cup in Qatar this winter.
Joining Forest will only enhance his chances of being in the starting 11 come the Dragons’ opening group match against the United States.
Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Neco Williams
Alfie Culshaw