'It's been an honour': Liverpool centre-back confirms departure as club issues statement | OneFootball

It promises to be a summer of big change around Anfield.

Club legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson waved goodbye to Liverpool FC on Sunday - following the final Premier League game of the season against Brentford.

And there remains doubt over the futures of several other stars. Alisson Becker is a target for Juventus with plenty of reports suggesting talks are taking place in the background.

Federico Chiesa looks all but certain to head back to Serie A given his lack of football under Arne Slot.

Rhys Williams leaving Liverpool

And in defence it remains to be seen what happens with Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman, 27, is about to enter the final month of his deal - and no indication has been received as yet over whether he will renew or walk out the door.

Liverpool have now confirmed the departure at the end of June for another centre-back in the shape of Rhys Williams. The homegrown academy product took centre stage for Jurgen Klopp during the very difficult 2020/21 campaign.

Alongside Nat Phillips he established himself as an Anfield cult hero - filling in at centre-back in desperate circumstances for the Reds.

He made 19 appearances in all competitions that season - but has spent the rest of his Liverpool career mostly on loan.

Liverpool issue statement on Rhys Williams

Williams was back at Liverpool for the 2025/26 season - featuring at Premier League 2 level - but has largely been forgotten about in first-team circles.

Now the club has issued a statement confirming that the 25-year-old will be leaving at the end of June - with the player now free to take the next step in his career.

“Rhys Williams will leave Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract at the end of June,” the statement reads.

“Everybody at the club would like to thank Rhys for his contribution and wish him well for the future.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rhys Williams (@rhyswilliams4)

It's been an honour says Williams

Williams helped a patched-up Reds to third place in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign amid a defensive crisis.

No one will ever overlook his contributions that season - but his loan spells at Swansea, Blackpool, Aberdeen, Port Vale and Morecambe have not hit the same heights.

“From signing as a 9 year old boy, to leaving as a 25 year old man. This club has let me fulfill things that dreams are made of,” he writes on Instagram.

“It’s been an honour to wear this shirt, rub shoulders with legends and play for the greatest set of fans in the world.

“Thankyou to all the players, staff and everyone who’s had a part to play along the way. I will be forever grateful to have represented this club. Thankyou Liverpool, YNWA”