Liverpool defender completes loan exit as potential European reunion awaits

Rhys Williams has completed his season-long loan move to Aberdeen from Liverpool

Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams of Liverpool during a pre-season training session at AXA Training Centre

Rhys Williams has completed a season-long loan move to Aberdeen, becoming the third player to leave Liverpool on loan this summer.

The Liverpool ECHO reported earlier this week that the Scottish outfit, who have already signed Leighton Clarkson permanently from the Reds after a successful loan, were leading the race to sign the centre-back temporarily. And the 22-year-old has now finalised his switch to Pittodrie.

Liverpool boast strong relations with the Scottish Premiership outfit, having been impressed with how easy they were to deal with last summer when negotiating the transfer of Calvin Ramsay to Anfield. Meanwhile, both clubs were pleased with the success of Clarkson’s loan move to the Dons last season, with it hoped that Williams can now follow in his footsteps.

The centre-back has endured mixed fortunes out on loan in recent seasons. Loaned to Swansea City in August 2021, he was recalled by Liverpool the following January after making seven appearances. A temporary switch to Blackpool followed last summer, with the centre-back making 17 appearances before again being recalled mid-season ahead of an expected exit for Nat Phillips that failed to materialise.

He’ll be hoping for better fortunes north of the border, however, for a side set to compete in Europe this season who could even face Liverpool in the Europa League group-stages. Should they progress from the play-off round, they will enter UEFA's secondary competition, otherwise a place in the Europa Conference League group-stages awaits.

Williams is looking forward to the opportunity of playing in Europe, as he revealed the role that Clarkson had played in him joining his fellow Reds Academy Graduate at Aberdeen.

“I’m really pleased to be here," he told the club. "When I knew there was an opportunity to come to Aberdeen on loan I spoke to Leighton and he couldn’t speak highly enough about his experience.

“I actually met some of the boys during the summer so there will be a few familiar faces in the dressing room which I’m sure will help me settle quickly. There’s a lot to look forward to this season, particularly with European football, and I can’t wait to get started and show everyone what I am capable of.”

Meanwhile, Aberdeen manager Barry Robson spoke of the Dons' growing relationship with Liverpool after securing his latest signing.

“Coming from Liverpool, Rhys joins us with a great pedigree,” he said. “He’s athletic, tall and we think we can improve him and give him the platform to continue his development. I’ve no doubt he’ll become a real asset for the team.

“We’ve developed a good understanding with Liverpool, and I think they trust us with their players."

Williams is under contract at Anfield until 2026 after extending his deal two years ago, and has made 19 appearances for the Reds to date. All of his senior experience at Anfield came during the 2020/21 season as he memorably broke into the Liverpool team after all of Jurgen Klopp’s senior centre-backs were struck down by injury, and helped them qualify for the Champions League against the odds.

Source: Liverpool Echo