Leeds United are in the race to sign Liverpool’s young full-back Neco Williams. Williams, who has progressed through the Reds’ youth set-up, has made 25 appearances for the club in all competitions since making his debut in 2019.
As per The Athletic, the 20-year-old is pushing for a move away from Liverpool as he wants regular first-team football.
Leeds United, along with Premier League sides Burnley and Southampton, are interested in his signature. Liverpool are demanding a fee of £10 million for Williams.
He currently has four years remaining on his deal at Anfield, having signed a new contract last year. The youngster is currently a part of Wales’ Euro 2020 squad and started in their last group game against Italy. He has made 13 appearances for Wales since his debut last year.
Neco Williams to Leeds United – A good option for Bielsa?
Neco Williams is a promising young right-back whose game time at Liverpool has been limited due to the presence and form of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Williams is a home-grown Liverpool player who has been in the books of the club since the age of 6.
Williams likes to take on defenders with his quick feet and pace and go past opposing full-backs to put in crosses. He isn’t afraid to dribble at defenders and has a few skills to beat opposition players with the ball at his feet.
🚨 NEW: Michael Edwards has fielded interest from Southampton, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Burnley for Neco Williams over the past 12 months. Liverpool will reluctantly do business if their £10m asking price is met. #awlive [@JamesPearceLFC] pic.twitter.com/BkUwWcGHgr
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) June 23, 2021
The 20-year-old has a good work-rate to go up and down the right flank. The Welshman is a tenacious player who likes to press high and make tackles and interceptions, using his acceleration to close down opposition defenders quickly.
Williams could be a good addition to the Leeds United squad and could fit well in Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play. The Welsh full-back could be a backup option to Leeds’ first-choice right-back Luke Ayling, and could push Ayling to get into the first team.
The Whites don’t have many options at right-back as Bielsa’s other full-back Stuart Dallas, has excelled in midfield and could play in that position next position. Dallas could also be used as a left-back if Leeds’ first-choice left-back Ezgjan Alioski leaves the club. The departure of Gaetano Berardi further reduces the options Bielsa has at right-back.
Williams has progressed quite a bit since his debut for club and country and a move away from Anfield could help him progress further. Bielsa has a good track record of developing young players and Williams certainly has the quality to become a Premier League regular under the guidance of the Argentine coach.