Southampton are interested in taking Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams on loan for the upcoming season. Williams has come through the ranks at Old Trafford and made 50 appearances for the senior team.
As per Daily Mail, the Saints are keen on bringing Williams on loan for the 2021-22 season. The report claims that they were interested in the Englishman last season as well, but United were not forthcoming.
The 20-year-old full-back had made 36 appearances in the 2019-20 season, but didn’t get as many opportunities last time around. Brandon Williams has represented the England U-21 squad once, having received a call-up last year.
Brandon Williams: A good option for Hasenhuttl?
Southampton have secured the signing of left-back Romain Perraud from French side Brest and he will likely be Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-choice left-back for next season. Perraud will replace Ryan Bertrand, who left the club at the end of the 2020-21 season following the expiry of his contract.
On the opposite flank, Kyle Walker-Peters has made the right-back spot his own and pushed Yan Valery down the pecking order. Valery could be on his way out of the club as he doesn’t seem to have the backing of Hasenhuttl. The Saints have also signed Mario Lemina, who is capable of playing right-back.
Southampton’s interest in signing Brandon Williams seems like a sensible one as the Manchester-born full-back has the qualities to play in the Saints’ system. Williams is a quick and tenacious full-back who doesn’t shirk from making a challenge and getting in the face of the opposition. He likes to press and dispossess the ball from opponents, and try to move it quickly forward.
He has the speed and energy to get up and down the flank, which will be required in Hasenhuttl’s heavy pressing tactics. The right-footed full-back likes to bomb forward at every opportunity and whip in crosses from wide areas.
The young Englishman is capable of playing on either flank, which would suit Southampton as they need cover in the left-back position, while also offer backup to Walker-Peters. Williams is still a raw talent and has been inconsistent at Manchester United. But, without the pressure of the bright lights of Old Trafford and some consistent game time, he could progress and become a better player.
Brandon Williams has Premier League experience, presses well and is a versatile player, which ticks a few boxes that Hassenhuttl requires in his players.
