Isn’t it surprising that nobody has come in for Ashley Williams earlier than this? Why, for instance, were there not more interested parties last season?
After all, the Swansea City captain has been a defensive rock for the best part of the last three-or-four seasons. He’s now 28-years-old, has bags of experience at the top level and a great work ethic. And now he’s even added silverware to his name – last year he picked up a Carling Cup winners medal.
The fact that he was able to do this with a club like Swansea (who are still relatively new to the top level of English football) speaks volumes for his talent (and the ability of his team-mates).
Finally it seems that other clubs are beginning to sit up and take notice of Williams. Surely it’s only a matter of time until somebody swoops in and tempts him away from Swansea?
According to The Mirror, Williams ‘feels he’s gone as far as he can at the club’ and fancies a new challenge. He’s extremely well thought of at Swansea City and is the club’s leader and arguably it’s most important player. Suffice to say, Michael Laudrup would miss him if he left. Still, if he is looking to move on, it would be pointless to try and keep him.
The Swans just don’t have the cash to tempt him to stay. Nor can they offer him Champions League football in the near future.
Arsenal, who have been strongly linked to Williams could offer this. Liverpool, who also have ties to the Welsh centre-back may not be contending with European football’s elite next season, but are Champions League regulars. You get the feeling that Williams would view a move to Anfield as a step-up.
Everton are also thought to be interested. But all these clubs are yet to make their interest concrete. According to Swansea’s chairman, Huw Jenkins, there’s been no movement either way just yet:
“While there seems to be constant speculation about Ashley Williams, I can honestly say that I have not had one call from anybody about him. There have been all sorts of stories in the press about what is happening with Ash, but I have never heard anything from anyone.”
What’s going on? What’s the hold-up? Williams would be a perfect addition for both Arsenal and Liverpool. Both clubs had their fair share of defensive issues last season.
You get the feeling that it’s only a matter of time now. It’ll be interesting to see who moves first. Whoever it is, will be on to a real winner.
What’s your take? Is Ashley Williams better suited to Liverpool or Arsenal?
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