Liverpool star Williams ‘likely to be loaned out’ despite first-team success

Liverpool defender Rhys Williams is expected to be loaned out by the Reds this summer, as Jurgen Klopp has set his sights on Ibrahima Konate.

Konate, reportedly, has a release clause of around £40million, and Klopp is looking to reinforce Liverpool's defence with his services.

However, the knock-on effect of the French U21 international arriving on Merseyside would mean Williams could be loaned out despite making 19 appearances this campaign, according to Goal.

Williams has been a shoo-in for the Liverpool side towards the backend of the season, and alongside Nat Phillips, Williams has started the Red's final five games.

Liverpool had the best defence in the league during the 19/20 campaign – when they claimed their first Premier League title – with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip striking up a strong partnership.

However, both Van Dijk and Matip have had an injury-ravaged campaign, and Liverpool's lack of squad depth was laid bare.

Klopp tried to strengthen over the January window when he signed both Ozan Kabak – on loan from Schalke – and Ben Davies, however, Williams and Phillips were the trusted pair as Liverpool rescued Champions League football.

And reports suggest he could delve into the market for a centre-back again with Konate and Marseille's Duje Caleta-Car on his shopping list.

If Klopp is to get his man, and with Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Matip all returning from injuries, Liverpool will have an embarrassment of riches at the back.

And young Williams would be pushed down the pecking order with first-team opportunities few and far between – unless he heads out on loan to build off the first-team experience he has built up in the last six months.

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