Carlton Palmer gives verdict on Portsmouth pursuit of Barnsley captain Jordan Williams
Carlton Palmer has given his verdict on the reported Portsmouth pursuit of Barnsley defender and captain Jordan Williams.
Palmer told Football League World [13 June] that the signing of Williams should be a “no-brainer” for Pompey, adding it would be a “great bit of business”.
Right-back Williams has played over 200 matches for Barnsley despite being just 24, and is available as a free agent this summer with John Mousinho keen to add him to his Championship squad [The News, 13 June].
Former England man Palmer said: “Jordan’s contract was up, and Barnsley will be disappointed to lose the player.
“He’s won promotion to the Championship in the first year, but slid back down, the Yorkshire club have since made the play-offs two years in a row but haven’t been able to get over the line.
“Williams has played over 201 games during his time at Oakwell, and has chipped in with nine goals and 15 assists from the back.
“His contract was up, and he’s gone now with the likes of Devante Cole and Herbie Kane. So, Portsmouth have got promotion and they’re in the hunt for new faces from League One. This is a no-brainer.”
Portsmouth step up chase for Jordan Williams
Every aspect of the Williams deal makes sense, it appears.
Portsmouth are on the hunt for a reliable right-back, having let Joe Rafferty leave on a free transfer to Rotherham United and decided not to trigger an extension for Zak Swanson, despite talks continuing for a resolution.
Williams’ experience for his age profile is hard to find, has two seasons’ worth of Championship experience from his years at Oakwell, and provides vital leadership qualities to a fairly young dressing room.
The player himself will get his step back up to the second tier, playing in front of a sold-out Fratton Park crowd every other week and no doubt a cosy signing-on fee as a free agent.
Unless a lucrative offer arrives in front of Williams at the 11th hour, expect him to become a Portsmouth player this summer.
In other Portsmouth news, a former Premier League star for the club has replaced Liverpool boss Arne Slot as Feyenoord head coach.
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