Ashley Williams completes £12m move to Everton - Twitter reacts

By grvadmin

Everton were plagued with defensive problems under Roberto Martinez last season. The Toffees conceded more goals than anyone else outside of the bottom five, a shocking display of ineptitude despite fielding several internationally-capped players in their back four.

While largely down to Roberto Martinez’s reluctance to provide his defence with any organised cover from the midfield, individuals struggled to perform as well. No single defender was faultless, and even seasoned England man Phil Jagielka looked uncomfortable at times.

As such, new Everton manager Ronald Koeman is looking to reinforce his back line, starting with signing Swansea centre-back Ashley Williams.

Williams has been at Swansea for eight years after signing from Stockport County for £400,000. Over 300 appearances later, the 31-year-old has captained the Swans from League One to the Premiership and Wales to the semi-finals of the Euros in perhaps one of his greatest achievements.

Over that time, Williams’ value has increased to the £12 million fee Everton have agreed to pay for him.

He leaves the South Wales club on seemingly good grounds, with the team’s Twitter account posting this:

His new club are thoroughly delighted to announce Williams’ signing:

Fans from clubs across the UK are positive about the Toffees new signing, especially surrounding the shrewd price given John Stones’ near £50 million departure:

https://twitter.com/JonnyWinbow/status/762976795260022784

https://twitter.com/GLENJOHNSONPOOL/status/762978768755499008

With some questioning whether other clubs should’ve been in for him at that price:

https://twitter.com/floEBSist/status/762977406923771904

https://twitter.com/ThreeFiveTwoG/status/762978772446502912

The odd tweeter is concerned for the Swans, as Williams was such an instrumental player for them. Pundits are suggesting that Swansea may struggle to beat the drop this season, and losing Williams won’t help.

But many see the value in the transfer, even for the Swans:

https://twitter.com/KieranSimpson15/status/762979304997281792

£12 million in today’s market is, rather bizarrely, a fairly small fee. Williams is an experienced domestic and international player and has continually shone in the Premier League, even in a rather average Swansea side last season.

It remains to be seen whether Williams will justify the price tag, but his transfer is doubtless an exciting sign of progress for Everton under Ronald Koeman.

Featured image: All rights reserved by MekyCM

Will also writes for Football Ticket Net, his choice for Everton tickets