Portsmouth has made a significant addition to their squad by signing Jordan Williams following his departure from Barnsley. The 24-year-old right wing-back is Pompey’s first signing of the summer, committing to a three-year deal that keeps him at Fratton Park until 2027.
Williams’ exit marks a notable loss for Barnsley, who narrowly missed out on a return to the Championship last season. Departing as a free agent, Williams brings substantial experience from his time in League One and aims to make an impact in the Championship with Portsmouth.
Barnsley fan pundit Andy Symcox praised Williams, considering him a player of Championship quality. Symcox noted that Williams excelled when playing as a right-back or wing-back, despite being occasionally deployed as a center-back, which wasn’t his strongest position. Symcox highlighted Williams’ speed, ability to deliver quality crosses, and his knack for linking up effectively with teammates, particularly when overlapping on the wing.
During his tenure at Barnsley, Williams proved to be a reliable and influential player. Last season, he featured in almost every league game, amassing over 4,000 minutes of play. Throughout his time at the club, he contributed six goals and ten assists in 89 League One appearances and was a regular presence during their Championship campaigns, with 72 appearances in the second tier.
Portsmouth’s head coach, John Mousinho, views Williams’ signing as a crucial step in strengthening the team for their upcoming season in the Championship. With Joe Rafferty’s departure creating a void at right-back, Williams is expected to fill this gap effectively, adding a creative and attacking dimension to Portsmouth’s play. His Championship experience is seen as a valuable asset to the squad.
Overall, securing Williams on a free transfer is considered a smart move for Portsmouth, marking a positive start to their summer transfer activities. Williams’ blend of experience, versatility, and attacking prowess makes him a significant addition to Mousinho’s squad as they aim to compete strongly in the Championship next season.
