Pearce: Liverpool defender set to “definitely leave” once his current contract expires

 

 

Liverpool’s defensive landscape is becoming increasingly defined, and one familiar figure is now central to an important decision. James Pearce of The Athletic reports that Liverpool’s centre-back unit is “set to change in the near future,” as multiple contract situations converge.

This is particularly relevant for Rhys Williams. The 24-year-old Preston-born defender, who impressed during the injury-hit 2020/21 season, is approaching a pivotal point in his Anfield career. Pearce notes that, despite apparent first-team depth, opportunities aren’t emerging as some might expect. His report indicates that Williams is nearing the end of his Liverpool tenure: “He could leave on loan in the next fortnight and will certainly depart permanently when his contract expires at season’s end.”

That assessment aligns with what we’ve seen under Arne Slot. Even with injuries elsewhere, the academy graduate has appeared in only one matchday squad this season, underscoring that he isn’t part of the immediate plans. His recent loan at Morecambe provided consistent game time, but the numbers reflect reliability rather than clear progression. At 197cm, his aerial dominance remains an asset, yet Liverpool now expect broader development from players in that role.

Pearce also highlights how unsettled the centre-back department is. Ibou Konate is out of contract this summer, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have 18 months remaining, and Giovanni Leoni continues recovering from an ACL injury. That uncertainty has prompted Liverpool to explore other options, focusing on players like Ousmane Diao after Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City. This context makes reports of a possible January loan for Williams, even amid an injury crisis, credible rather than contradictory.

Meanwhile, interest in other defenders suggests that pathways for current youth centre-backs are narrowing rather than opening. Pearce’s comparison to past young defenders is telling: Liverpool’s track record has been mixed, from Billy Koumetio, who failed to progress, to Sepp van den Berg, who benefited from loans and generated significant profit. Williams sits somewhere between those outcomes—he provided crucial service when needed but has stalled at the elite level.

With Slot entering his second season and shaping the squad, tough decisions are unavoidable—and Williams’ situation appears to be one of them.