Liverpool fans will be mainly focused on incoming signings this summer, but outgoings may be just as important.
Nat Phillips is one player who looks to be on his way out this summer, and while we think that selling Phillips is a bit unfair, it does raise a question about what will happen to his defensive partner Rhys Williams.
Much like Phillips, Williams was given plenty of chances to shine for Liverpool last season due to injury problems, and it’s fair to say he impressed, with Klopp once calling him ‘outstanding’.
However, the return of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip alongside the signing of Ibrahima Konate will likely see Williams forced back down the pecking order.
So, what do Liverpool do with Williams now that he’s arguably their fifth-choice centre-back?
Well, selling him should be out of the question. After all, he’s a 19-year-old defender with an incredibly high ceiling, but one thing that Michael Edwards may want to consider is a loan.
The centre-back isn’t guaranteed first-team minutes at Anfield ahead of the likes of van Dijk, Gomez, Matip and Konate, so sending him out on loan seems to be a great option for him to continue his development.
However, as ever, there is an element of risk attached to that.
As we’ve seen this season, injuries can quickly ravage your squad, and with Gomez, Matip and Konate all having a long history of injuries, Williams may be needed, and that’s before we even consider any further issues that could plague Virgil van Dijk after almost a year on the sidelines.
Of course, we hope that the aforementioned players’ injury issues are behind them, but the reality is that they may not be, and that’s where Liverpool’s dilemma lies.
Do they loan Williams out? Risking being caught short at centre-half for the second season running. Or do they keep him as fifth-choice, let him take a step backwards by linking up with the U23s again and risk undoing some of the good work they did with his development last season?
It’s a genuine dilemma and one that Michael Edwards needs to navigate carefully.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
