Southampton are “confident” that they can land a deal for Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams on loan, reports The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon and Laurie Whitwell. The Saints have tried to secure Williams’ signature in the past two transfer windows and are now said to be close to agreeing the move.
Southampton Confident of Landing Brandon Williams
Defender Wants Regular Minutes
Williams was afforded just 14 appearances for the senior side at Manchester United last season, despite the Red Devils reaching the latter stages of the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League. The 20-year-old, therefore, wants assurances that the move will see him granted much more playing time.
That’s something that Ralph Hasenhuttl is prepared to give him. The Saints are incredibly light in the full-back positions, with Kyle Walker-Peters and Jake Vokins the only recognised players in that position in the squad. With Williams able to play either side, he would be adept at filling in on both flanks.
Deal Not Yet Agreed
While things are progressing with the move, there is currently nothing agreed between the two teams. Most importantly, a loan fee is still yet to be set, and is something that United will insist upon. There is also an agreement on salary contributions from either side that still needs to be made. Southampton were made to pay the full sum of Takumi Minamino’s wages when they loaned him from Liverpool in January and this could happen too with Williams.
The Athletic’s report says that the deal could be in jeopardy if United demand a big loan fee for Williams, as this is unlikely to be something Southampton will want to match. However, there is a willingness from United to let Williams go and get the minutes he wants, and with United being well-stocked in full-back positions, it is in their best interests too so that in the future they don’t run the risk of losing Williams permanently.
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