As we approach the business end of a thrilling 2021-22 campaign, just about everybody connected with Liverpool Football Club still has their eyes on a prize of some sort. Those at Anfield are daring to dream of Premier League title glory, while other domestic and continental honours remain up for grabs.
Even those plying their trade elsewhere, with various loan deals having been sanctioned, still have plenty to play for as the current campaign edges towards a close and collective thoughts turn towards what lies beyond a rare summer of no major tournament action.
Neco Williams is one home-grown star on Liverpool’s books who has plenty of targets to aim at despite being allowed to spread his wings in January. He has linked up with a squad at Fulham that are all but guaranteed to savour title glory this season, with Championship betting with Betfair no longer offering a price on the Cottagers to claim a second-tier crown as Bournemouth drift as far as 22/1 to pip them to the post.
Jurgen Klopp may have a star-studded cast chasing down trophies at the very highest level, but they are not the only ones in the market for gold medals. A promotion party at Craven Cottage would justify Williams’ decision to head for the capital while also restoring any confidence that has started to erode at his parent club.
A five-year contract signed in 2020 was a show of considerable faith from Liverpool in the Welshman’s potential, but he still remains behind the immovable object that is Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Anfield right-back pecking order.
???????????????????????????? 2-0 ????????@necowilliams01 just loves a gôl in Caerdydd.#WALBLR | #TogetherStronger
pic.twitter.com/8NseuYGHXN— Wales ???????????????????????????? (@Cymru) November 13, 2021
With that in mind, a big summer lies in store for a man who needs to continue enjoying the regular game time afforded to him since swapping the North West for west London.
Stick or twist?
With Fulham on the brink of booking an immediate return ticket to the Premier League, they can start to piece together recruitment plans for the next transfer window. Williams will be a player very much in their thoughts, after seeing him thrive outside of a comfort zone, but Marco Silva is playing cards close to his chest.
The Cottagers boss has said about the potential of a permanent deal being done: “It’s too early for us to think about or talk about it. Neco is fully focused in his role at this football club, we are focused on taking the best from him.”
Boooom???????? another great win for us and happy to score 2 goals???? yeh the celebration needs working on I know????????♂️???? @FulhamFC pic.twitter.com/tUNcj40qfT
— Neco Williams (@necowilliams01) March 9, 2022
Williams may decide that he needs to start forcing a few hands. While top spot in the Championship is his priority right now, he has a World Cup finals to aim at in the international arena.
Wales are edging their way towards Qatar, with an important part of their exciting young squad admitting “it would mean everything” to be involved at FIFA’s flagship event. He has continued to earn caps while filling back-up duties at Liverpool, but for how long will that remain the case?
Williams wants, and deserves, more than a role in the shadows and has some big decisions to make when it comes to future ambitions on Merseyside and in the Middle East.