Liverpool to Recall Rhys Williams from Aberdeen Loan Deal

Liverpool is set to recall defender Rhys Williams from his season-long loan deal with Aberdeen, as reported. The 22-year-old centre-back has struggled to secure playing time in the Scottish Premiership, with his loan stint at Pittodrie proving frustrating. Despite arriving with Champions League group stage experience and high expectations, Williams has yet to feature in a Scottish Premiership match for Aberdeen.

Williams’ loan deal, which was initially intended to provide him with regular playing opportunities, has not gone according to plan. His only appearance for Aberdeen came in the Viaplay Cup victory against Stirling Albion in August. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly set to cut short the loan deal and bring Williams back to Anfield when the January transfer window opens.

The 6ft 5in centre-back, once touted as the next Virgil van Dijk, has Champions League experience with Liverpool but failed to secure playing time in Aberdeen’s Europa Conference League group stage campaign. Williams has not played for the Liverpool first team since the 2020-21 season and had loan spells at Swansea and Blackpool before joining Aberdeen.

Aberdeen manager Barry Robson confirmed earlier this month that Williams had struggled with injuries and faced competition from other players. The decision to recall Williams is seen as a move to reassess his development and potentially provide him with opportunities at Liverpool or explore other loan options.

Williams is one of three loan players secured by Aberdeen in the summer, along with Leighton Clarkson and Or Dadia. While Clarkson has made a significant impact, Dadia has yet to play a competitive minute for the first team. The success of Stefan Gartenmann, another loan signing from FC Midtjylland, contrasts with Williams’ struggles, as Gartenmann has started 20 games for Aberdeen.