Port Vale have today announced via their official website the signing of Liverpool defender Rhys Williams on loan until the end of the season.
Williams is yet to appear for the Premier League side this season and is seemingly out of favour in manager Jurgen Klopp’s plans. Despite that, the 22-year-old does still have 19 senior appearances for the Reds to his name and is valued at €1.8 million (£1.5m) by Transfermarkt.
With six of those coming in the Champions League and a further nine in the Premier League, the centre-back was at one point thought of as the defender to play alongside Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield but his progress has somewhat plateaued in recent years.
In fact, the defender has not appeared for Liverpool since the 2020/21 season though has gained more experience out on loan in the Championship with Swansea City and then-second tier side Blackpool. The Englishman was most recently with Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen, yet would play just 90 minutes during his time at the Pittodrie.
Despite potentially losing his way in recent years, the signing of Williams is still a huge one for Port Vale and at just 22 years old, the defender still does have potential. Although it may take a game or two to get back up to speed, it could be a shrewd signing by manager Andy Crosby.
The Valiants currently sit in 15th place in League One yet do find themselves just seven points clear of the relegation zone. Having shipped 38 goals so far this season, the fifth most in the league, the defensive positions were an obvious place to strengthen in January.
Speaking on his newest recruit, manager Andy Crosby seemed delighted to have a new defender in the building.
‘I am absolutely delighted to welcome Rhys to Vale Park.
“He comes into the squad and instantly enhances our defensive options with the quality that he possesses and, as a person, I am sure that he will prove to be a popular figure off the pitch too, with his personality, drive and desire to become the very best version of himself.
“This loan signing is yet another example of clubs at the elite level seeing the way that we treat the players both on and off the pitch and the way that we play as a team, and ultimately seeing Port Vale as an ideal home for their future talents’ development.’
Director of Football, David Flitcroft also wanted to highlight the potential that Williams still has.
“Rhys comes into the club as a player with great pedigree and experience. Ourselves, Liverpool and Rhys alike believe that Port Vale is the right home for him and where his career at this point for him to come in and to be given a platform to recognise his potential.
“As a player, at 6ft 5in, Rhys is a committed and combative defender who enjoys to get on the ball and start defensive progressions. Rhys has a determined drive to become the very best that he can be, it makes him the perfect fit, both on and off the pitch, for Andy Crosby’s team.”
Writer’s View
This is potentially a huge signing for Vale if Williams comes into the club with the right attitude. He does have a bit to prove after such a long time out, but he may have find the right place to rejuvenate his career.
The Valiants are by no means out of the relegation battle, and the signing of Williams should aid their survival cause. It wouldn’t come as a surprise to see him straight into the starting lineup against Wycombe on Saturday.
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