Liverpool have confirmed that Neco Williams has left the club to join Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal.
The 21-year-old struggled for game time as Trent Alexander-Arnold's understudy in the first half of the 2021-22 season and was sent out on loan to Fulham to aid their promotion push.
Williams struck two goals and set up two more in 14 Championship appearances for the Cottagers and was expected to sign for the club permanently following their return to the Premier League.
However, Nottingham Forest moved quickly to secure the Wales international's signature after agreeing a reported £17m fee with Liverpool earlier this month.
Liverpool have now made the transfer official, bringing an end to Williams's 15-year spell at Anfield since the right-back joined as an Under-9s player.
After rising through the youth ranks at Anfield, Williams went on to make 33 appearances for the Liverpool first team in all tournaments, contributing six assists but failing to find the back of the net.
Williams won the Premier League, EFL Cup and Club World Cup during his time as a senior Liverpool player, and he has signed a four-year contract at the City Ground until the summer of 2026.
The defender posted a heartfelt farewell message on social media following his departure from Merseyside, saying: "15 years at this special club, thank you for everything @liverpoolfc it's been an honour to play for this club and to play under Jurgen Klopp. But I've now decided to take up a new challenge🙌🏻.
"I wish all the team and the staff the best of luck for the future and will always continue to support the club. ❤️ Thank you and never forget YNWA !!!"
Liverpool have already replaced the departed Williams with Calvin Ramsay, although the 18-year-old is yet to take part in training with Jurgen Klopp's side due to a minor injury.
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Williams has become Forest's sixth acquisition of the summer transfer window, following Dean Henderson, Taiwo Awoniyi, Giulian Biancone, Omar Richards and Moussa Niakhate to the City Ground.
"I'm really excited to join Nottingham Forest and to help this great club move forwards in the Premier League," the Welshman told nottinghamforest.co.uk.
"Forest are a club with incredible history and The City Ground is a very special venue that I can't wait to experience in full voice in the coming weeks. Having spoken to the Head Coach, there's a huge amount of ambition being shown at the club and I can't wait to join up with my new teammates and get ready for the challenge ahead."
Tricky Trees manager Cooper added: "Despite being only 21, Neco has established himself in the Wales starting XI. He's played in the Premier League, the Champions League and in World Cup qualifiers in the last 12 months and he is a very talented right back.
"We believe that he's got an incredibly high ceiling and that he can play a huge role for us at Nottingham Forest in our return to the Premier League. We're delighted to have him on board."
Williams follows the likes of Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino, Loris Karius, Divock Origi and Sheyi Ojo out of the door in a busy summer of outgoings for Liverpool, who will reportedly receive 15% of any future sale.
Ben Knapton
