Jurgen Klopp believes Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper and new signing Neco Williams are the perfect fit for each other.
The defender has penned a four-year deal with the Reds, becoming their sixth summer signing ahead of their Premier League return. His £17million move ends his 15 years at Anfield, where he came through the ranks of the academy.
Liverpool manager Klopp says it was a difficult decision to let Williams go. But as a “big fan” of Cooper, he feels a switch to the City Ground is the right move for the 21-year-old, predicting an exciting future for him.
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“It’s wonderful news for Neco – a perfect move in many ways,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com. “He’s a bright, exciting talent and he’s going to a club that is upwardly mobile in this moment.
“I am a big fan of their manager and he knows Neco from when he coached at our Academy. I think they’ll be ideal for each other.
“He’s achieved so much already but there is even more to come. Premier League and Champions League experience for us; a promotion last season with Fulham, who looked after him superbly, I must say; a contributor to our trophy wins for sure; one of Wales’ most important players and going to a World Cup.
“It’s not easy to let him leave, if I’m being honest, but he deserves to be playing regularly and he’s earned the right to be ready for his international team for this tournament coming in the winter. I’m proud of the part we have played in his growth and development – I mean the entire club, not just as a first-team environment.
“Our Academy deserves a special mention. They produce so much talent and Neco’s progression is something they can be very proud of. We wish him success and look forward to seeing him continue on his journey, albeit now from a distance.”
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