Nottingham Forest are reportedly on the verge of signing Liverpool right-back Neco Williams in a deal worth £17 million.
According to Goal journalist Neil Jones, Nottingham Forest have made an important stride in their quest to sign Neco Williams. They have reached an agreement with Liverpool worth around £17 million including add-ons and appear the favourites to secure the services of the young right-back.
With the transfer fee agreed, the onus is on Nottingham Forest to finalise the personal agreement with Neco Williams. Recent reports have claimed that the two parties have agreed to personal terms, but it is unclear if the £17 million deal will be completed imminently.
After sealing promotion to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest have appeared quite active in the transfer market. In the defensive unit, they have roped in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson on a loan deal, while former Mainz man Moussa Niakhate could serve as a natural defensive leader for the club this coming season.
The Tricky Trees have also completed the capture of promising French right-back Giulian Biancone from Troyes. But it seems coach Steve Cooper wants to bring in another right-back who can offer more experience in English football and compete with Biancone for a place in the starting eleven next season.
That is where Neco Williams comes into the fray. The Liverpool youngster is coming on the back of a fruitful loan spell at Fulham that saw him become one of the rising stars of the Championship this past season. His performances on the right-hand side of the Fulham defence, in fact, were critical in helping the Cottagers seal promotion to the top-flight.
While a return to Fulham is always an option for young Neco Williams, the Welshman could fancy a move to Nottingham, where he may have more freedom under the leadership of Steve Cooper. It should ultimately prove to be handy for the Liverpool defender’s preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will not be fazed by the £17 million departure of Williams. They had roped in Scottish prodigy Calvin Ramsay to replace the Welshman earlier in the summer. If anything, the £17 million from the Williams deal could go a long way in helping the Reds balance the books ahead of the new season.