Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams has been the subject of a transfer link that has come out of the blue in recent days.
The right-back has been with Forest since the summer of 2022 when he joined from Liverpool for a fee in the region of £18 million.
He chose to walk away from Liverpool after growing up at the club and progressing through the academy ranks to play senior football.
His time at Forest has been a little bit of a rollercoaster – but the player does clearly have a lot of potential as a player.
During his maiden campaign at the City Ground, he was forced to compete with Serge Aurier for a place in the team and it was one he sometimes lost.
Last season was a little more fruitful and it’s fair to say that his form did improve once Nuno Espirito Santo came to the club.
Now, he’s a wanted man and another update has emerged regarding his future.
Champions League club still want Neco Williams from Forest
It would appear as though Forest would be open to selling Williams this summer but a valuation would need to be met.
Atalanta made an offer of £17 million for Williams but it was rejected by Forest as it didn’t meet what the club values the defender at.
It’s claimed that it will take a bid of £27 million to prise the player away from Forest but Tutto Atalanta claims that the Champions League outfit will make a new bid.
It’s not clear whether Atalanta will bid the full valuation but a lower upfront payment and a series of add-ons might tempt Forest into doing a deal.
Williams is only 23-years-old and he does still have some potential to unearth which must be playing on Forest’s mind when it comes to accepting any offer.
With the season not too far away now, letting anyone leave this close to the start of the campaign would be a risk and Forest have to weigh this up carefully.
Forest must have replacement lined up for Williams
The Welshman isn’t irreplaceable. Nothing against him but he’s proved himself as an okay signing since signing from Liverpool without being spectacular.
He’s a hardworking, likeable member of the squad but there are still some imperfections within his game.
With that in mind, letting him go and adding more profit towards the next PSR cycle might not be a bad idea – although a replacement will need to be sought.
Williams will need to be replaced, however.
Forest can’t go into the season with just Moreira as their right-back option and although Ola Aina can play there, perhaps a more natural option will be sought.
Now, it will be intriguing to see what the next bid is from Atalanta and whether or not Forest choose to accept it.
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