Manchester United are reportedly showing an interest in signing Nottingham Forest star Neco Williams, according to BBC Sport. The 25-year-old Wales international, who previously rejected United as a youth player to join Liverpool, has emerged as a defensive target for the Red Devils.
The summer transfer window is in full swing, and United have already reached agreements to sign midfielders Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Ederson from Atalanta. However, it appears the club may also be looking to strengthen their defence, with Williams now a potential target.
Contract Uncertainty Fuels Speculation
Williams signed a new long-term contract with Nottingham Forest in July 2024, with terms running until the summer of 2029. However, rumours suggest another extension could be imminent, and this uncertainty has fueled speculation about a potential move. Newcastle United have also expressed interest in the full-back.
Williams joined Forest from Liverpool in the summer of 2022 for a fee of around £17 million. He has been a key player for the club, but is now being linked with a move away. It remains to be seen if United's interest is genuine.
History with Manchester United
Williams was previously a youth player at Manchester United before making the switch to Liverpool in 2007. In an interview with Forest's club website in April 2024, he explained his decision to leave United: "I guess it came naturally to me. I can't remember a pinpointed day where I thought 'Oh, I'm quite good at this', I just loved playing and wanted to play as much as I could."
"I started to go to Liverpool and Everton sessions, and they were the two most interested in me. It wasn't until the age of nine that I had to choose a team to sign for. I was still playing for Man United at that time too, training with both teams."
"All my family are United supporters, so everyone thought I would choose them, but I chose Liverpool. It's hard to remember exactly why, but I think it came down to where I felt most comfortable and at that time it was Liverpool."
Potential Impact
If United were to sign Williams, it would mark a return to the club he left as a child. The defender has established himself as a Premier League regular and could provide competition at right-back. However, with contract talks ongoing at Forest, any deal may be complicated.
