An experienced defender seems to be making his way down south
Atlanta United drafted the rights to centerback Derrick Williams during the 2023 MLS Re-Entry Draft on Thursday.
The news was first reported by Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
#ATLUTD has drafted the rights to Derrick Williams in the Stage 2 Re-Entry process.
Williams has 71 appearances with Galaxy and D.C. United.— Doug Roberson (@DougRobersonAJC) December 21, 2023
The 30-year-old Irish defender made 24 appearances for DC United last season and 52 for LA Galaxy between 2021 and 2022.
Before making his move to MLS, Williams appeared in 152 matches for Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English soccer. Prior to that, Williams was with Bristol City where he played 131 games and helped the team win the EFL League One title in the 2014-15 campaign, achieving promotion for the following season.
A product of the Aston Villa youth system, Williams has a keen sense of awareness and has made some impressive blocks and tackles over the years. He also has a superb ball-playing ability, something that the Five Stripes will be missing without Miles Robinson.
Atlanta United now has seven days to make Williams a genuine offer, according to the rules of the Re-Entry Draft. If an agreement can’t be reached with Williams, Atlanta will hold right of first refusal for him (a fancy way of saying that the club holds priority to negotiate and sign that player).
What are your thoughts on Williams? Would you like to see him sign with Atlanta? Let us know in the comments below.