Chelsea summer transfer confirmed after Wayne Rooney admission - 'Absolutely delighted'

Burton Albion have announced the signing of defender Dylan Williams on a permanent deal. The 21-year-old, who has spent the 2024/25 season on loan at the Brewers, has penned a three-year contract at the Pirelli Stadium with an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months until 2029.

Williams has made 32 appearances during his time at Burton, scoring twice. His most recent strike, his first-ever professional league goal, came in last Saturday's dramatic 2-1 win against Cambridge United.

Now, after Burton secured their League One survival earlier this week, the Brewers have announced that they have signed Williams on a long-term deal, keeping him at the club until 2028.

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Speaking after his permanent move to Burton was announced, Williams told the club's website: "I am absolutely delighted to join this wonderful club permanently.

"Hopefully I can achieve a lot here and make many more memories in my time here."

Burton managed Gary Bowyer added: "Dylan has made great progress with us this season. He has matured both on and off the pitch and I look forward to seeing how far he can take his abilities in a Burton shirt."

Williams, who started his senior career at Derby County, arrived at Chelsea in January 2022 after an undisclosed fee was agreed. He had made seven first-team appearances for the Rams and was handed a chance by then-manager Wayne Rooney, who praised Williams before his exit was confirmed.

"We have agreed a fee with a Premier League club, still getting finalised as we speak, for Dylan Williams," Rooney said at the time.

"It is one where I felt I couldn't deny him the opportunity, so that is my decision, not an administrator's decision.

"It was my decision after speaking to the player, I felt I couldn't deny a young lad an opportunity of going to play in the Premier League."

Although there was significant hype and potential around Williams, it didn't work out for him at Stamford Bridge. He made 58 appearances for Chelsea Under 21s, scoring three times and adding six assists, but never played a single first-team game for the Blues.

Now, Williams, three-and-a-half years after his 'dream' move to Chelsea, has decided to leave the club with Burton his new permanent destination. He could feature for the Brewers on the final day of the League One season when his team travel to promotion-chasing Charlton.