Williams spent six seasons with the Tykes, making 201 appearances and scoring nine goals. The Tykes were promoted from League One in 2018–19.
Additionally, he played against Pompey in both of the sides’ previous season encounters, notably the thrilling 3-2 triumph in April that brought the League One championship to Fratton Park.
As Barnsley’s captain the previous year, Williams made 51 appearances—all starts—and scored one goal in every League One match.
After Joe Rafferty left and the Blues decided not to pick up Zak Swanson’s option, right-back is a position they want to improve this summer.
Swanson may still be around since Pompey and the 23-year-old are currently negotiating the potential of Swanson signing a new contract to prolong his stay on the south coast.
However, Williams has the experience and leadership to fill the position as there isn’t a single contracted right-back available before the Championship return.
With 58 appearances in the Championship, the former Huddersfield player established himself as a stalwart of Oakwell after joining for an undisclosed transfer price in August 2018.
He was released, along with players including top scorer Devante Cole, Herbie Kane, and Nicky Cadden, after Barnsley’s play-off loss to Bolton in the League One semi-final.
Leave a Reply