Brandon Williams Departs Hull City After Brief and Troubled Spell
Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams has left Hull City by mutual consent, bringing a swift end to his stint with the Championship club after making just a single appearance. The 25-year-old full-back, who once earned £3.4 million annually as a promising talent at Old Trafford, joined Hull in August but featured for only five minutes as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers.
A Career Derailed by Off-Field Issues
Williams' move to Hull came after a 20-month period without professional football, including 14 months without a club. His absence from the game was compounded by serious legal troubles. In May 2025, Williams received a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after being convicted of dangerous driving for an incident on August 20, 2023.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Williams had been driving his Audi A3 at nearly 100mph on the A34 in Cheshire, "driving erratically" before colliding with a Ford Fiesta and crashing into the central reservation. Prosecutors noted it was "fortunate" that no one was seriously injured or killed. Williams admitted he had been trying to show off to a female passenger, with a witness reportedly filming him with a balloon by his mouth.
Judge Eric Lamb also banned Williams from driving for three years and ordered him to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
From Manchester United Prospect to Footballing Limbo
Williams originally broke into Manchester United's first team under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the 2019-20 season, making 51 appearances for the club after rising through their youth academy. His early promise saw him become a regular fixture, but his career began to stall, leading to loan spells at Norwich City and Ipswich Town.
In June 2024, Williams announced he would leave Manchester United at the end of his contract. The dangerous driving incident occurred in August 2023 while he was on loan at Ipswich, further complicating his professional trajectory.
Hull City's Brief Gamble and Williams' Future Hopes
Hull City took a chance on Williams after he impressed during a pre-season trial, but he failed to secure a place in the matchday squad after November. The club confirmed his departure in a statement, saying: "Hull City can confirm that full-back Brandon Williams has left the club by mutual agreement. We would like to thank Brandon for his efforts during his time at the MKM Stadium and wish him all the best for his future career."
Speaking in May about his aspirations, Williams expressed a strong desire to return to football with full focus. "It hurts me watching football now because I just want to be there, I just want to play. I miss being in a team, on the coach, travelling to games, having meals together and just doing things," he said. "I want to have that feeling again of winning and being around the changing room environment."
He revealed that he had received interest from clubs in America, Europe, and England but felt he wasn't ready. "I want to go somewhere 100 per cent focused and kick on. I would like to experience that different culture. I'm only 24 so I could do three or four years abroad. Definitely Europe at a good club or an upcoming club," Williams added, highlighting his ambition to revive his career overseas.
As Williams seeks a fresh start, his departure from Hull City marks another chapter in a career that has been significantly impacted by off-pitch controversies, leaving his future in the sport uncertain.
