Manchester United’s forgotten man Brandon Williams has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Serie A outfit and UEFA Conference League finalists Fiorentina ahead of the summer transfer window.
A regular in the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era, the 22-year-old Manchester United academy graduate has been one of those most negatively affected by the appointment of Erik ten Hag during the summer of 2022.
In fact, the last time Brandon Williams featured in a Premier League game – a 2-1 win at Wolves in May 2021 – Daniel James grabbed an assist, Juan Mata scored, and Amad Diallo, Axel Tuanzebe and Alex Telles all featured in the starting XI.
With his contract expiring next year, a decision will have to be made sooner rather than later. Williams, like Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Donny Van de Beek, Dean Henderson and more, is one of a raft of senior players who could be sacrificed at the altar of the Financial Fair Play gods; Ten Hag under pressure to sell before he can buy ahead of a transitional summer.
Is Brandon Williams leaving Manchester United?
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Fiorentina are emerging as a potential destination for Williams. The report claims that Williams would first extend his contract at Old Trafford before moving to Italy on loan. There should also be an an option-to-buy clause set at around £4.5 million.
A versatile full-back who can play both on the right and the left-hand flank; Williams could potentially replace Brazilian defender Dodo at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Dodo has been linked with a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers this week.
“When I do get an opportunity, I will take it,” Williams was quoted via The Mirror back in February.
“I’ll show the manager what I am capable of. It’s been a hard couple of months because I’ve been taking in so much information and learning the manager’s game plan and the way he does things. I really enjoy that and enjoy learning it, and I feel really positive.”
Ten Hag, meanwhile, highlighted Williams’ recent injury issues as a key factor in his lack of opportunities in 2022/23.
“He had a bad injury. He’s on the way back,” Ten Hag explains.
“He was also in the selection for (Nottingham) Forest so he’s really a part of it. It’s also a little bit up to him but I like him, but we have to work with him and see where his developments can go. That is also about him, to find the moment where he can deserve his chance and take his chance. But when he wants a loan, we have to talk about that.”
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