​Liverpool are facing a pronounced full-back crisis, and the search for a remedy has become urgent with a potential solution seemingly within reach. The issue first surfaced in 2025 when Trent Alexander-Arnold left the club, and the situation has only intensified since then. Andy Robertson’s departure has left a void on the left flank, while Conor Bradley’s long-term injury further depletes options. Jeremie Frimpong was signed as Alexander-Arnold’s successor but has struggled to assure consistency in that role, prompting Arne Slot to abandon the idea of him as a dependable two-way full-back. In the current setup, Kostas Tsimikas is expected to step up to fill Robertson’s duties, but his past lack of trust from coaches and even Roma’s reluctance to deploy him highlight that he is not the ideal long-term solution.
Milos Kerkez stands out as the most reliable left-back option available, yet one player cannot cover all bases. What Liverpool truly needs is a versatile full-back who can operate effectively on both sides of the pitch. With Bradley on the comeback trail and Frimpong likely to see more minutes at right-back, Liverpool would benefit from a dual-threat defender who can battle with Kerkez for a starting spot on the right while also providing genuine competition on the left.
There is chatter about a potential acquisition that could address this exact problem. The BBC reported that Neco Williams could be available, with Manchester United and Newcastle United both weighing up a potential deal. Williams, a former Liverpool youth product, left the club at a time when minutes behind Alexander-Arnold were scarce and Robertson was absorbing the majority of the left-side workload. Now that both of those stalwarts have moved on, the door could be open for Williams to reclaim a place at Anfield or explore a role elsewhere, but the reality is that there is a real market interest in him from major clubs.
Reclaiming Williams would not just be a sentimental move; it would represent a strategic upgrade for a Liverpool squad desperate for dynamic, dual-sided full-back talent. Williams is a player who knows Liverpool’s culture intimately, possesses the technical quality to perform at the highest level, and has the versatility to impact both wings. The possibility of bringing him back would be compelling for Liverpool’s recruitment team, particularly in a summer window where options on the market can be scarce and highly competitive.
However, as of now, there are no confirmed links between Williams and a return to Anfield. Yet, the central issue remains clear: Liverpool need a modern full-back who can contribute across both flanks, provide depth behind Alexander-Arnold and Kerkez, and push for a starting berth on either side. Williams represents a tantalizing possibility because of his familiarity with the club and his proven pedigree, but the decision will hinge on whether Liverpool’s recruitment department can persuade both Williams and the market to align with their long-term plan.
In summary, Liverpool’s most pressing transfer target is a versatile full-back who can play on both sides, relieve pressure on Trent Alexander-Arnold, and provide a credible alternative to Kostas Tsimikas and Milos Kerkez. Neco Williams is among the most compelling options discussed in recent reports, given his Liverpool ties and pedigree, but any move would require coordinated negotiation with Williams, his current suitors, and the club’s broader strategic goals for the next season. If Liverpool can secure a bid that satisfies Williams’s ambitions and the club’s needs for breadth and balance in defense, it could represent a watershed moment in their rebuild and a pivotal step toward restoring stability in the backline.