Man Utd defender Williams joins Norwich on loan

20-year-old left-back joined the Canaries on a season-long loan with Daniel Farke hopes he can help steady the ship

LONDON:

Manchester United defender Brandon Williams joined Premier League side Norwich on a season-long loan on Monday.

England Under-21 international Williams made his United debut in September 2019 after coming through the youth ranks at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old left-back has been unable to hold down a regular place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team due to the fine form of Luke Shaw.

"It's the first time I've ever played for a different club before, but I'm just really excited to get started, meet everybody and get my season going," Williams told Norwich's website.

"The club like to play out from the back and play football. That really inspired me to come here, and I think that the head coach can really improve me as a player."

Promoted Norwich have lost their first two games of the season against Liverpool and Manchester City, conceding eight goals and scoring none.

Canaries boss Daniel Farke hopes Williams can help steady the ship.

"Brandon is a young player full of potential, who has proved himself already at this level for a top club side, also in Europe," Farke said.

"Brandon is a confident young guy, is competitive and brave. We don't put too much pressure on his shoulders.

"He just has to perform when he gets the nod to start."

Lyon complete signing of Shaqiri from Liverpool

Lyon have completed the signing of Swiss international midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri from Liverpool, the two clubs announced on Monday.

The 29-year-old moves for an initial fee of six million euros, rising to a potential total of 11 million euros ($12.9m) with bonuses, Lyon said, and has signed a contract until 2024.

Capped 96 times by Switzerland, Shaqiri played for Basel, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan before moving to England in 2015 when he signed for Stoke City.

He then joined Liverpool in 2018 and made 63 appearances for the Anfield club over the last three seasons, leaving with winners medals in the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

"Everybody at Liverpool FC thanks Xherdan for his contributions over the past three seasons and wishes him the very best for the rest of his career," said a club statement.

He is the second player to move to Lyon from the Premier League in recent days after Italian international left-back Emerson Palmieri signed on loan from Chelsea.

Joshua Kimmich extends stay at Bayern Munich to 2025

German international Joshua Kimmich has signed an extension to stay at Bayern Munich until 2025, the club announced on Monday.

Kimmich, a versatile player, at ease in both defence and midfield, was under contract with the German champions until 2023.

"We are delighted that Joshua Kimmich is staying in Munich! Joshua identifies totally with FC Bayern," the club's sporting director Oliver Kahn wrote on Twitter.

The Bavarian giants were intent on keeping Kimmich, who has become one of Europe's best midfielders since he signed from Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig in 2015.

In all, Kimmich has racked up 264 appearances with Bayern, 30 goals, and won six German titles, three German cups and the Champions League with the club.

"The most important reason for my contract extension is that every day at FC Bayern I can pursue my passion with joy," Kimmich said in a club statement.

In the summer, Bayern lost Austrian defender David Alaba on a free transfer to Real Madrid after his contract ended. The club were keen to avoid a similar situation developing with Kimmich.

Kimmich played the full 90 minutes on Sunday as Bayern Munich battled their way to a 3-2 win against FC Cologne, their first home win of the new Bundesliga campaign.