NEWS: Derrick Williams completes transfer to Reading FC

More shakeup in the back.

Atlanta United’s roster overhaul continues as the club announced today that center back Derrick Williams has left the club. The Five Stripes confirmed that they reached agreement with Reading FC for the permanent transfer of the 32-year-old defender.

With only a handful of matches remaining in 2025 and his contract with Atlanta dwindling down, Williams gets a move back to be closer to home to finish out his career.

“Derrick has been a great teammate and a true professional during his time with the club. This is a great opportunity for him to continue his career and is in the best interest of all parties involved,” Atlanta United Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said.

There will be no transfer fee coming to Atlanta but they do get the financial relief of his salary leaving the books.

Williams joined Atlanta United ahead of the 2024 season and appeared 44 times for the club.

The front office made it clear this summer that upgrading the center back depth chart was a top priority. After bringing in two new additions to the squad, Williams was inevitably pushed down the pecking order, opening the way for his exit.