Rhys Williams spent the first half of this season as part of Liverpool’s U21s, but the 24-year-old could signal the end of his time at Anfield with a January exit.
Williams joined Liverpool as a 10-year-old in 2011 and, for a brief period, looked on course to break through as a regular in the first-team squad.
But five years on from his surprise role in an injury crisis in 2020/21, the centre-back is exploring a January move which will spell the end of his time with the club.
The Athletic‘s James Pearce reports that Williams should be in line for a loan move this month, having previously taken in spells with six different clubs.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 23, 2025: Liverpool substitutes Rhys Williams' and Kieron Morrison during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A number of factors caused loans with Swansea, Blackpool, Aberdeen and Port Vale to end early, but he thrived with non-league Morecambe last season.
While Williams may look for a switch higher up the football pyramid this is an important juncture in his career, as his contract with Liverpool expires in the summer.
That means he will be a free agent at the end of the season, and therefore any opportunity this month could provide the defender with a platform to earn a long-term deal after June 30.
Who could leave Liverpool on loan this month?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Liverpool's Amara Nallo during the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. Palace won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool could allow a number of academy players to depart on loan in the final two weeks of the transfer window, including another centre-back in Amara Nallo.
This Is Anfield understands the signing of Senegalese defender Mor Talla Ndiaye this month has freed Nallo up for a temporary move, while the Reds have also brought in 19-year-old Noah Adekoya from Burnley.
Wellity Lucky could also be considered for a loan though it is unclear if he is suffering with an injury after missing recent squads.
Polish goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek, 22, should be primed for a move either loan or permanent, as could be the case for striker Oakley Cannonier, 21, and midfielder James Balagizi 22.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Trent Kone-Doherty during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There is a case to argue the likes of Trent Kone-Doherty, 19, Josh Davidson, 20, Tommy Pilling, 20, and Michael Laffey, 20, could all benefit from loans.
However This Is Anfield understands there is little chance of Kieran Morrison, 19, leaving mid-season, with a decision to be made on his future closer to the summer.
Liverpool are not set to allow Calvin Ramsay, 22, to head out this month despite interest from Scotland, with the right-back providing cover following Conor Bradley‘s season-ending knee injury.