Rhys Williams confirms he will leave Liverpool this summer (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool have announced that the central defender, who made his debut under manager Jurgen Klopp, will leave the club when his contract expires this summer. Rhys Williams made 19 appearances for the first team during the 2020-21 season, as the Reds finished third and qualified for the Champions League group stage. The academy’s output further improved after season-ending injuries to Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk.
Williams formed a late-season defensive partnership with Nathaniel Phillips, who left Liverpool permanently last summer and signed for West Bromwich Albion. Since then, he has spent several seasons away on loan.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Williams wrote: “From signing as a 9-year-old boy to leaving as a 25-year-old man, this club has made a dream come true for me.”
“It’s an honor to wear this shirt, rub shoulders with legends and play in front of the best fans in the world.
“I would like to thank all the players, staff and everyone who has contributed over the years. I will be forever grateful to have represented this club. Thank you, Liverpool. YNWA.”
Connor Bradley wrote on Instagram: “Good luck,” along with a clap emoji, while Curtis Jones also responded with a red heart emoji.
Seven star players from Liverpool’s academy also commented, including Owen Beck, Kieran Morrison, Josh Davidson, Cornel Missure and Jayden Duns. Williams received further congratulations from former Reds players Georginio Wijnaldum and Divock Origi.
The club announced his departure a few hours later, saying: “Rhys Williams will leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of June.”
They went on to say, “Everyone at LFC would like to thank Rhys for his contribution and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
The defender was on Liverpool’s radar from an early age. (Image: PA)
Williams has spent this season contributing to the club’s Under-21 team. He featured in the lone Premier League 2 game against Fulham, but the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
The defender played in three games in the group stages of the EFL Trophy, wearing the captain’s armband in the 2-0 defeat to Burton Albion. They also lost to Crewe Alexandra by the same scoreline.
Liverpool were defeated at the first hurdle, but their positive attitude led them to victory in what was Williams’ farewell match to the club.
The team fought back from a 2-0 deficit to score a 2-2 tie with Chesterfield on a double by Kaide Gordon, and scored the tying goal two minutes into second-half stoppage time. Williams was booked for wasting time as the Reds defended their result.
A penalty shootout ensued and he converted the ninth spot-kick, resulting in Liverpool winning 13-12.
A month earlier, Williams had been in the first-team substitutes for the League Cup third-round tie against Southampton, but was not featured.
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