TRANSFER TRACKER:Report
D.C. United’s search to bolster their backline has turned to Derrick Williams of Blackburn Rovers and the Irish national team, according to Steven Goff of The Washington Post.
Williams, a 27-year-old center back and left back, has played in England’s second division since the 2015-16 season. He’s also been capped three times by the Republic of Ireland, with his last appearance coming in a November 2019 friendly against New Zealand where he scored in a 3-1 victory.
Born in Germany to an Irish mother and U.S. serviceman, Williams has played exclusively in England with other stops at Aston Villa and Bristol City. He's made one Premier League appearance for the former club, and spent two years in League One for the latter.
The latest transfer target follows earlier reports that the Black-and-Red are chasing the services of Bakaye Dibassy, a French-born Malian defender who plays for Ligue 1 side Amiens.
D.C. have been somewhat thin at defense to start the year, with Homegrown center back Donovan Pines out with an ankle injury. Starting left back Joseph Mora, according to Goff, is also doubtful for this D.C.’s match this Saturday (5:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada) at FC Cincinnati.
