Neco Williams Eyes Move to Manchester United
Neco Williams is ready to test himself on a bigger stage – and his eyes, according to reports, are fixed firmly on Old Trafford.
The Nottingham Forest full-back, once a bright prospect in Liverpool’s academy, is understood to be keen on a move to Manchester United this summer, with the prospect of working under Michael Carrick a major pull. For Liverpool, who inserted a sell-on clause when they moved him on in 2022, that interest will sound like the start of a profitable subplot.
United circle, Forest dig in
BBC Sport revealed on July 9 that Manchester United had registered their interest in Williams and were tracking his situation closely as Forest attempted to tie him down to a new deal. Forest, for their part, have remained optimistic. The message from the City Ground has been consistent: they believe they can persuade the 25-year-old to stay, with a new contract and pay rise on the table.
But the landscape is shifting.
TEAMtalk now report that Williams is ready to join United in this window, with sources close to the player indicating that a move to Old Trafford holds particular appeal. That stance comes despite his long association with Liverpool, where he rose through the ranks and broke into the first team before leaving in search of regular football.
United are not alone in the chase. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have both been credited with interest in the Wales international, who has shown his versatility by operating on both flanks for Forest over the past two seasons, predominantly at left-back but equally capable on the right.
The attraction, though, appears clear. As TEAMtalk put it, Williams is open to “testing himself at a bigger club, particularly Manchester United.” No formal offers have landed on Forest’s desk yet, but the direction of travel is obvious: the player is listening.
A defender on the rise, a market in motion
Williams’ stock has climbed since leaving Anfield. At Liverpool, he managed 33 senior appearances and, unusually for a full-back, chipped in with six goals. In 2022, Forest paid a total fee of £17.5m, including add-ons, to bring him in, with Fabrizio Romano confirming at the time that Liverpool had secured a 15% sell-on clause.
That clause now looms large. Williams is under contract at Forest until the summer of 2029, giving the Midlands club serious leverage in any negotiation. With years left on his deal and Premier League rivals circling, Forest are in a strong position to demand a substantial fee.
Any big move would not only reshape Forest’s back line but also send a welcome cheque to Anfield. For Liverpool, who have already banked once on Williams’ potential, his next step could deliver another tidy return without lifting a finger.
INEOS era gathers pace at Old Trafford
For United, Williams would be another piece in an aggressive rebuild under INEOS. The club have already paid £50m to sign Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea, underlining a willingness to move decisively in the market. They have also activated the £35m release clause in Youri Tielemans’ contract at Aston Villa, signalling a clear intent to refresh the squad with proven Premier League quality.
Against that backdrop, a move for Williams fits the pattern: young, Premier League-tested, tactically flexible, and with room to grow. A modern full-back comfortable on either side, capable of playing on the front foot, and hardened by a relegation fight at Forest – exactly the kind of profile a club in transition tends to prize.
Forest, though, are not spectators in this story. They want him to stay, they are talking about a new contract, and they know they can drive a hard bargain. United, Newcastle and Spurs may all admire him, but prising him away from a long-term deal will not come cheap.
The player’s ambition is clear. The interest is real. The contract is long. Now the question is simple: who is prepared to pay the price to find out just how high Neco Williams can climb?
