Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Wed 3 June 2026 11:09, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Neco Williams enjoyed a brilliant season for Nottingham Forest and he was on fire again on Tuesday as Wales drew 1-1 with Ghana.

The home side dominated much of the match at Cardiff City Stadium but found themselves 1-0 down midway through the second half when Caleb Yirenkyi scored.

It was Williams’ cross that would provide the late equaliser for Craig Bellamy’s side, with Lewis Koumas heading in.

Wales have not qualified for the World Cup – a fact that Vitor Pereira may quietly be happy about, considering how much football Williams has played this season.

Even without it, the right-back’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, and Nottingham Forest transfer chiefs may well be braced for offers this summer.

Welsh media impressed by Neco Williams

Former chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider last month that Everton are interested in Williams, and the Toffees are not the only club.

The right-back has enjoyed a hugely impressive season at the City Ground, constantly managing to impress despite Nottingham Forest’s struggles.

It was no different on Tuesday, with the 25-year-old delivering a fine performance on the international stage.

Williams created two big chances on the night and was a constant threat down Ghana’s left flank that they ultimately could not stop.

And defensively, the Nottingham Forest man was solid. He ended the game having made three tackles, three recoveries, and having won nine duels and three free-kicks.

Wales Online named Williams as the player of the match, handing him a seven out of 10 match rating.

A first Cymru gôl for Lewis Koumas ☝️ pic.twitter.com/oGOHTcOdj1

— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) June 2, 2026

“Some really important defensive contributions,” the publication wrote. “Also played an important role going forward down the right. Perhaps could have reacted better for the goal, but cross for equaliser was superb.”

What Vitor Pereira said amid Williams talks

Nottingham Forest are under no immediate pressure to agree a new contract with Williams, given that he signed a new deal until 2029 last summer.

Interest elsewhere is mounting, however, and the player’s head may well be turned by reported interest from the likes of Manchester United.

Thankfully for Nottingham Forest, there was no release clause inserted into the deal that saw him leave Liverpool for the City Ground in 2022.

Neco Williams is your 2025/26 Player of the Season! 👏 pic.twitter.com/JanVichECC

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 24, 2026

It should not be ruled out that Williams could return to Anfield, though, but Pereira will hope to prove his ambition enough to convince the defender into a new contract.

“I don’t know, but he’s another player who deserves everything,” the manager said when asked about the possibility. “He’s consistent. I know what I can expect from him in every game.”