"He is a quality player" - Barnsley reaction given as Portsmouth seal transfer agreement | OneFootball

FLW's Barnsley fan pundit gives his verdict on Portsmouth signing Jordan Williams from the Tykes

Highlights

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Jordan Williams has signed for Portsmouth following his departure from Barnsley.

The 24-year-old is Pompey’s first new addition of the summer after their promotion from League One last season.

The right wing-back signed a three-year deal to commit his future to Fratton Park until the summer of 2027.

His exit will come as a blow to the Tykes, who missed out on a place back in the Championship at the second attempt last year.

Williams departed at the end of his Barnsley contract, meaning he was free to sign elsewhere for nothing.

Barnsley fan pundit gives Williams verdict after Portsmouth move

FLW’s Barnsley fan pundit Andy Symcox believes that Williams is a Championship calibre player.

He expects the defender to play on the right flank, where he believes is the player’s best position, having also performed at centre-back during his time at Oakwell.

“Jordan Williams signing for Portsmouth is a good move for both of them,” Symcox told Football League World.

“Portsmouth are getting a Championship right-back, or right wing-back.

“He’s quick down the wing, can put in a good cross and links well with other players, he can overlap quickly and effectively.

“Last season at Oakwell we mostly played him as one of the three centre-backs, and that was definitely not his position.

“He got a fair bit of stick playing there, but he played where he was asked to play.

“At right wing-back, he is a quality player.

“He gave six years to Barnsley, having signed him as a young man, an 18-year-old from Huddersfield, and I wish him all the best.”

Jordan Williams’ importance to Barnsley

Williams started all but one game for Barnsley in the league last season, featuring for over 4,000 minutes of action (all stats from Fbref).

He has been a key player for the Tykes in League One, contributing six goals and 10 assists from 89 appearances in the division.

He has been with Barnsley since 2018, and was a regular presence in the squad during their time in the Championship, making 72 appearances in the second tier.

But relegation in 2022 consigned the club to League One, which led to Williams winding down his contract in order to move back up to the Championship with Portsmouth.

Williams signing is a solid start to the summer for Portsmouth

The departure of Joe Rafferty meant that Portsmouth needed to make a signing at right-back this summer, and Williams is a smart solution.

He is strong going forward, and will provide creative attacking threat from the right flank next season.

The 24-year-old also has Championship experience, which will be a great asset to have in the dressing room.