Liverpool duo Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio could quit the Anfield giants this summer after being snubbed by new manager Arne Slot. The centre-backs, who were both extolled by Jurgen Klopp during the German’s reign as manager, have been made to train with the Reds’ under-21s side since returning to Kirkby for pre-season training.
Slot took over from Klopp earlier this summer after the Premier League-winning manager decided to call time on his career in the Anfield dugout.
The Dutchman initially spent time watching video footage of his players in match action and on the training pitch. And it appears he has no plans to hand Williams and Koumetio the opportunities they crave.
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According to The Athletic, the two defenders are considering their options and are expected to leave the Merseyside club during the summer transfer window.
Williams, who has made 19 first-team appearances for Liverpool, has attracted attention from clubs in League One and also has interest in Turkey.
The 23-year-old progressed through the Reds academy and started his team’s final five games of the 2020/21 campaign after an injury crisis hit the squad. And following an impressive display against Atalanta in the Champions League earlier that season, Klopp labelled him as “exceptional” and “incredible”.
But he has struggled to kick on in the last few years and failed to make a single appearance during a loan spell with Aberdeen last season as Liverpool recalled him early.
Koumetio, meanwhile, moved to the north west from French club Orleans as a teenager at the start of 2019 and has featured twice for the Reds senior team.
He is currently being chased by teams in Scotland and France, despite making just one appearance during a loan spell with Championship outfit Blackburn during the second half of the last campaign.
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Koumetio, 21, played for Liverpool in a 7-2 pre-season friendly victory over Blackpool four years ago when he was still 17 years old as he partnered Joel Matip at the heart of the backline.
He was then described by Klopp as a “big talent” after the match even though he cost his side a goal when he lost out to CJ Hamilton in a 50-50 challenge on the edge of the box.
“Billy played super balls, super passes,” explained Klopp. “So all these things, little things to learn, but 17 years old, wow - the whole life in front of him which is really nice. Big talent, and how I said, he had a few really, really good situations.”
