Neco Williams to Man United: Former Liverpool Fullback on Transfer Radar

Manchester United Target Neco Williams in Surprise Transfer Link

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams, according to recent reports that have placed the former Liverpool fullback on the club's radar.

The 23-year-old right-back, who came through Liverpool's academy and made 33 senior appearances for the Reds before moving to Forest in 2022, has become a regular for the East Midlands side.

Williams has made 76 appearances across all competitions for Nottingham Forest since his £16m move, contributing two goals and six assists from defence.

Context: Neco Williams' Journey from Liverpool to Nottingham Forest

Neco Williams joined Liverpool's academy at under-9 level and progressed through the ranks to make his first-team debut in 2019. He was part of Liverpool's Premier League-winning squad in 2019-20 and also featured in their 2022 FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs.

However, with Trent Alexander-Arnold established as the first-choice right-back at Anfield, Williams sought regular first-team football. A loan spell at Fulham in the second half of the 2020-21 season helped him gain experience, and he eventually secured a permanent move to Nottingham Forest in July 2022 for a fee reported to be in the region of £16m.

At Forest, Williams has been a consistent performer, known for his energetic overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas. He has also represented Wales at senior level, earning 20 caps and scoring two goals, including one at the 2022 World Cup.

Williams' ability to play as a traditional fullback or as a wing-back in a back five makes him a versatile option for any manager. At Forest, he has often been deployed in a more advanced role, providing width and crossing opportunities.

Impact: What This Means for Manchester United and Nottingham Forest

For Manchester United, the potential signing of Neco Williams would address a long-standing need for depth at right-back. Diogo Dalot has been the primary option under Ruben Amorim, but the Portuguese international has struggled with consistency and injuries. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who left for West Ham in the summer of 2024, was not replaced, leaving United short on that flank.

Williams would provide competition and a different profile: he is more attack-minded than Dalot, with a willingness to overlap and deliver crosses. His familiarity with the Premier League and his homegrown status (as an English-trained player) would also be appealing from a squad registration perspective.

Manchester United have struggled to create chances from wide areas this season, ranking 14th in crosses completed per game. Williams averaged 1.8 crosses per game last campaign.
Williams' defensive stats are modest: he won 58% of his tackles last season and was dribbled past 1.2 times per game. However, his recovery pace is a significant asset in transition.
From a Fantasy Premier League perspective, a move to United would make Williams a budget-friendly option (likely £4.5m) if he becomes a regular starter, with United's upcoming fixtures including home games against promoted sides.

For Nottingham Forest, losing Williams would be a blow. He has started 12 of their 18 Premier League matches this season and is a key part of Nuno Espírito Santo's system. However, Forest have depth at right-back, with Harry Toffolo also capable of playing on the right, and they could reinvest any transfer fee to strengthen other areas.

Forest are currently 14th in the Premier League, six points above the relegation zone. Losing a starter mid-season could disrupt their momentum, but a significant fee — reported to be in the region of £25m-£30m — might be difficult to reject for a player signed for £16m just two years ago.

What's Next: The Likelihood of a Move and Potential Timelines

Manchester United's interest, as reported by BBC Sport, is understood to be at an early stage. No formal bid has been made, and the club's financial constraints under the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules mean any move would likely depend on outgoings.

United are expected to listen to offers for several first-team players in January, including Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial, to raise funds. A right-back addition is a lower priority than a central defender or a striker, but if the right opportunity arises, they could act.

Neco Williams is reportedly open to a return to a bigger club after his successful spell at Forest, but he will be cautious about leaving a starting role for a backup position at Old Trafford. A loan with an option to buy could be a compromise that suits all parties.

The January transfer window opens in less than two weeks, and the coming days will reveal whether Manchester United formalise their interest or whether this remains a speculative link.