Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer, and Roberto De Zerbi has identified a Premier League proven full-back as a priority target as he looks to reshape his backline ahead of the new season.
According to reliable Tottenham insider @szyexcl on X, Spurs have registered an enquiry for a Nottingham Forest defender who has become one of the most sought-after full-backs in English football.
The move comes with Djed Spence heavily linked with a departure from the club, leaving De Zerbi keen to bring in a versatile and experienced option to cover and compete at both full-back positions.
Neco Williams, and his journey to this point of his career is one that Liverpool supporters will follow with considerable interest and pride.
Williams spent over a decade in Liverpool’s academy system after joining as an energetic youngster in 2009, eventually making his senior debut in the famous 5-5 Carabao Cup thriller against Arsenal at Anfield in October 2019, a night he marked with a crucial assist for Divock Origi’s equaliser.
Operating primarily as deputy to Trent Alexander-Arnold, he accumulated 33 senior appearances across three seasons under Jurgen Klopp, winning the FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League title, and EFL League Cup before departing for Nottingham Forest in a 17 million pound deal in the summer of 2022.
Since arriving at the City Ground, the Welsh international has developed into one of the most consistent full-backs in the division.
The 2025-26 campaign was his finest yet.
Williams made 53 appearances across all competitions, logging over 4,300 minutes of football, contributing four goals and two assists while helping Forest reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
His 37 Premier League appearances alone produced three goals, underlining his quality as an attacking outlet from deep.
Now 25 and with over 55 senior caps for Wales to his name, Williams is attracting attention from multiple directions.
Manchester United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton are all said to be monitoring his situation, while Nottingham Forest have already moved to open contract extension talks despite his current deal running until June 2029, a clear sign of how highly they value him at the club.
Tottenham’s interest will appeal to a player of Williams’ ambition, with De Zerbi’s system demanding high-energy, attack-minded full-backs capable of contributing in both boxes.
Williams fits that profile precisely.
Whether Spurs can convince Forest to sell a player they are actively trying to retain remains the central question.
With five clubs reportedly in the picture and the player himself said to be prioritising a destination where regular starts are guaranteed, the coming weeks will be telling.
What is certain is that a player Liverpool developed and sold for 17 million pounds is now attracting the attention of some of England’s biggest clubs.
#thfc have made an enquiry for neco williams.
— 📞 (@szyexcl) July 12, 2026