Liverpool defender to leave as five departures now confirmed

Rhys Williams has confirmed he will leave Liverpool this summer as the Reds continue to reshape their senior and Academy squads.

Centre-back Williams, who has been at the club since under-10 level, made 19 first-team appearances having been thrust into Jurgen Klopp’s starting line-up during 2020/21 following a succession of injuries at the heart of defence.

Williams formed a late-season partnership with Nat Phillips that helped Liverpoolsecure unlikely Champions Leaguequalification with five straight victories to end the campaign.

However, the 25-year-old’s last appearance came more than five years ago with his only squad involvement in the last three years coming when on the bench for the League Cup win over Southampton last September.

Williams had a successful loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers before making his Liverpool debut, but subsequently had mixed fortunes with temporary stays at Swansea City and Blackpool in the Championship, Aberdeen in Scotland, Port Vale in League One and, last season, Morecambe in League Two.

“From signing as a nine-year-old boy, to leaving as a 25-year-old man, this club has let me fulfil things that dreams are made of,” said Williams on social media.

“It’s been an honour to wear this shirt, rub shoulders with legends and play for the greatest set of fans in the world.

“Thank you to all the players, staff and everyone who’s had a part to play along the way. I will be forever grateful to have represented this club. Thank you, Liverpool. YNWA.”

Liverpool have yet to release their retained list for the senior team and Academy, although veteran duo Mohamed Salahand Andy Robertson have previously confirmed they will leave when their contracts expire this summer.

And it has also emerged that Academy players Josh Davidson – who had a spell on loan at National League North side Buxton this season – and fellow defender Terence Miles are also departing as free agents.