Brandon Williams has emerged through the youth ranks of Manchester United (Getty Images)
Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams is wanted on loan by Southampton, states a report by The Daily Mail. The youngster was pursued by the Saints last year as well, but United were reluctant to let him leave. But now, talks are ongoing between the two teams over a potential loan transfer this summer.
Williams enjoyed a stellar 2019/20 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but was not starting enough for the Red Devils last season as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw held down both the flanks. Ralph Hasenhuttl has already signed Romain Perraud, so does signing the 20-year-old Englishman make sense for the German manager? Let us find out.
The Saints saw Ryan Bertrand leave their club as a free agent this summer. The reliable former Chelsea left-back was a regular for the club since he signed in 2015. But according to Sky Sports, he will now play for the Foxes next season. This immediately left the Saints without a natural left-back in their senior squad – a cause for concern.
The club reacted by signing Romain Perraud from Stade Brest 29. The 23-year-old Frenchman has over 50 Ligue 1 appearances but does not have the experience of playing in England. Regardless of the situation, the Saints could have used a full-back like Williams down that side. But Perraud can take time to settle into a new league.
Hence, having another left-back is of utmost importance. Williams can be that guy. The 20-year-old already has 50 senior appearances for a top club like Manchester United.
This would also help Hasenhuttl in avoiding the situation where he was without a natural left-back when Bertrand was not selected in the last few gameweeks of the previous season. He had to use centre-backs Mohammed Salisu and Jack Stephens in that position.
While a staunch option down the left-hand side, Williams can also play as a right-back. Such versatility is always an added bonus. He could provide good competition to Kyle Walker-Peters down that side, who has established him as their number one right-back.
The 22-year-old Yan Valery was loaned out to Birmingham earlier this year, and maybe Southampton have to wait a little bit more before considering him as a regular option. Another suitable aspect of the Brandon Williams deal is that it would be a loan transfer.
And if they don’t like what they see from Williams, they would be under no obligation to have him on their books next season. Bertrand’s departure would also free up some room in their wage bill. Williams’ versatility and his experience in England make him a good choice for Southampton.
