Brandon Williams linked with surprise transfer – could be reunited with former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Brandon Williams (24) has been linked with a move to Turkish Besiktas in an attempt to revive his career, according to the Daily Mail. The former Manchester United player has been clubless since leaving Old Trafford in the summer of 2023.
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Career paused
Williams, who came through United’s academy in 2008, was released by the club after a loan spell at Ipswich Town in the Championship, where an injury interrupted his stay in December 2022. This season he has been without a club.
In May, he was sentenced to a 14-month suspended prison sentence for dangerous driving. A court heard that Williams, who was driving with a passenger on board, reached speeds of up to 99 mph (159 km/h) before colliding with a car and a centre divider in Wilmslow. Three people were slightly injured, and Williams himself had to be treated in hospital.
In a statement after the verdict, Williams said:
“It was never my intention to hurt anyone, but I take responsibility for my driving. I learned from this experience and will make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Possible reunion with Solskjaer
According to reports, Williams has now been in talks with Besiktas, who are led by his former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The club has already signed four players this summer, including Joao Mário and Tammy Abraham (loan).
Besiktas need reinforcement in the backline after Arthur Masuaku left the club. Williams, who played mostly as a left-back for United but can also be used on the right flank, made his breakthrough under Solskjaer and Kieran McKenna (now Ipswich manager).
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Uncertain future
After more than 18 months without games, it is uncertain whether Williams can find his way back to the top level. But a possible move to Besiktas could give him another chance to revive his career under a coach who knows him well.
Solskjaer has previously stated that he values Williams’ willingness to work and flexibility, which could play in his favour.
