Long-serving Liverpool defender confirms exit as Curtis Jones shows support
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCLiverpool defender Rhys Williams has confirmed his exit from the club, with the 25-year-old leaving after 16 years as he becomes the latest player to have his departure announcedCurtis Jones has shown his support after Rhys Williams confirmed his exit from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool defender Rhys Williams has confirmed his exit from Anfield, ending his 16-year association with the club.The 25-year-old follows in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson in leaving the Reds as a free agent this summer, with his contract expiring at the end of June.Williams will be best remembered for his part in the 2020/21 season, in which he was called upon to play at center-back for Jurgen Klopp’s side alongside Nat Phillips amid an injury crisis, which had seen all of the Reds' senior options ruled out as the club fought to secure a top-four finish.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Kennet Eichhorn talks, Curtis Jones hint, Van de Ven speaksREAD MORE: Brentford boss makes Jordan Henderson claim after seeing Liverpool receptionWilliams made 19 appearances in total for Liverpool that season, including nine in the Premier League, and was rewarded with a long-term contract as a result.He has not made an appearance for the Reds’ first-team since then though, with his game time coming with the club’s academy, or during loan spells at Swansea, Blackpool, Aberdeen, Port Vale and Morecambe.Williams has played for Liverpool’s U21s this season, but posting on Instagram following Sunday’s finale against Brentford, he confirmed he would be leaving the club this summer.Rhys Williams has not made a first-team appearance for Liverpool since 2021(Image: Getty Images)“From signing as a 9 year old boy, to leaving as a 25 year old man,” he wrote. “This club has let me fulfill things that dreams are made of.“It’s been an honour to wear this shirt, rub shoulders with legends and play for the greatest set of fans in the world.
Thankyou [sic] 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. Thankyou [sic] Liverpool, YNWA.”Curtis Jones was among those to show his support in the comments, replying with a loveheart emoji, while Conor Bradley wished Williams: “All the best.”Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Williams also received replies from Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison, as well as former teammate Bobby Clark.Williams is just one of a number of players who could leave Liverpool this summer, with Salah and Robertson having already said their goodbyes at the weekend.Ibrahima Konate’s future still remains uncertain, with the defender still on course to become a free agent, despite indicating last month that he had all but agreed a new contract at Anfield.Plenty of other players have been linked with transfers away from Liverpool. Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez could be on the move, having both been linked with moves to Italy, while Federico Chiesa looks likely to leave after two years at the club.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCCurtis JonesConor Bradley