Brandon Williams last played a game of football for Ipswich Town in December 2023 after being suspended for dangerous driving – and a link-up with a Manchester United icon could reportedly be on the cards this summer as he eyes a return to the pitch.
There was a point in time when Williams, a one-cap England U21 international, looked to be the natural successor to Luke Shaw at Old Trafford – but he left the club in 2024 after a loan, 17-match stint with the Tractor Boys between August 2023 and May 2024.
Manchester United let him leave the club for free in the summer of 2024 as it marked the end of his contract, ending an association with the club dating back to 2008. Reports now suggest that he could be poised to return with a European giant keen.
The left-back is currently serving a suspended sentence, which was issued in May
Williams’ potential return to football comes amid him being given a 14-month prison sentence. The defender admitted that he had been attempting to ‘show off’ to a female passenger – and, in the event that he offends across his suspended sentence, he will be sent to prison to serve time.
Andrew Madden, a senior Crown Proseuction Service prosecutor, told the left-sided defender that he was fortunate that no party was seriously injured or, even worse, killed. “The driving was erratic, and the speed was grossly excessive,” Madden said.
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The left-back, 24, was once viewed as Luke Shaw's long-term successor but is now without a club after his Old Trafford contract expired this summer.
In addition, the court imposed a three-year driving ban and the Crumpsall-born footballer was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community work. But the Daily Mail have recently reported that a return to football could be in the offing.
In their Transfer Confidential update, the publication revealed that Williams – who is now 24 years of age – is being linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas, a team managed by former Red Devils striker and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Solskjaer is looking for options to reinforce Besiktas’ defensive resolve for the 2025/26 season and moving to Turkey would offer Williams – who was previously admired by Scottish side Rangers – a chance to revive his career away from the media glare.
The 2000-born left-back, who has also turned out for Norwich City during his career, earned his big break under the stewardship of Norway’s seventh-highest all-time top goalscorer. Initial talks have taken place over a potential move to Turkey, the report states.
Williams joined Manchester United aged seven and went on to graduate from the club’s celebrated academy set-up to chalk up just north of the half-century mark of appearances.
Brandon Williams – Senior Club Career Statistics
Club
Manchester United
Norwich City
Ipswich Town
Solskjaer, who, at the time of writing, has managed 22 Besiktas outings since being appointed at the turn of the year, has already poached four players this summer – including Joao Mario from Benfica. Ex-Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has also joined the club.
Coincidentally, he is in the market for a new left-back after Arthur Masuaka – formerly of West Ham United and Olympiacos – left on a free transfer. Whether Williams will be the next face arriving at the Besiktas Stadium this summer remains to be seen as time goes by.
All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 01/07/2025