Liverpool defender Rhys Williams has agreed to extend his loan spell with League Two outfit Morecambe until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. The centre-back initially joined the EFL club in August with a loan agreement set to expire in January.
However, a new deal has been reached that will see him stay with the fourth-tier team for the remainder of the campaign. The 23-year-old has featured in 21 of Morecambe’s 24 League Two fixtures so far. The Shrimps have faced a challenging season, sitting in the relegation zone with 20 points, but remain in the fight for survival, with the three teams just above them all on 22 points.
Williams has made a total of 25 appearances for Morecambe across all competitions. The defender was instrumental in helping a depleted Liverpool side secure Champions League qualification during the 2020-21 season alongside fellow centre-back Nat Phillips. He has earned 19 senior caps for the Reds, all during that same campaign. Williams has also had loan stints with Kidderminster Harriers, Swansea City, Blackpool, Aberdeen, and Port Vale. His contract at Anfield runs through the summer of 2026, but a permanent move away from the club is expected this summer.
Williams expressed his excitement about his decision to remain at Morecambe, telling the club’s website: “I’m thrilled to be staying for the rest of the season. The fans, staff, and teammates have made me feel incredibly welcome, and I’ve truly enjoyed my time here. Let’s push forward and aim for a strong 2025.”
Manager Derek Adams commented: “It’s fantastic for Rhys because I believe he’s grown stronger with each passing game. He enjoys being here, working with the staff, and bonding with the players, which is essential. He could have moved elsewhere, but that might have hindered his development. Staying here, playing regularly, will be beneficial for him in the long term.”
During his loan at Kidderminster in the 2019-20 season, Williams made 26 appearances. His longest spell at one club came with Liverpool’s Under-18s. Although Williams has struggled to find a permanent home, he is expected to be a key figure for Morecambe in their bid to escape the League Two relegation battle in the coming months.
