Rhys Williams first words as Liverpool defender completes Blackpool transfer

Blackpool have signed Liverpool defender Rhys Williams on a season-long loan.

The Seasiders have brought in the 21-year-old centre half to bolster their options in the middle of defence after Oliver Casey departed for Forest Green Rovers on a season-long loan of his own. Williams spent the first half of last season on loan at Swansea City but his spell was cut short after he failed to make an impression in Wales with just five Championship appearances.

Williams has made a number of appearances for his parent club with Jurgen Klopp trusting him to make nine Premier League appearances in the 2020/21 campaign. Born in Preston, Williams has also spent time on loan at Kidderminster Harriers and has England U21 caps under his belt.

The young defender joined the Reds academy at the age of 10, winning the FA Youth cup in 2019 before joining Kidderminster that summer. With the arrival of Williams, he will help ease the strain on Richard Keogh who will turn 36 in the early stages of the season and will no doubt struggle to play every single minute for the Seasiders alongside Marvin Ekpiteta - Jordan Thorniley remains another central option.

Williams had been away with Liverpool during their Thailand and Singapore pre-season camp. He joins new recruit, Lewis Fiorini, as Michael Appleton's second signing of the summer.

“I’m so happy to be here and I want to show everyone what I can do this season," Williams said. “I think I’m aerially dominant because of my height, and I’m a vocal defender. I like to have the ball at my feet too, so hopefully, I can play the way the gaffer wants us to play.

“I spoke to him before signing, and he was really complimentary and said only good things about the football club and the journey it’s going