Everton are looking for a new beginning under Marco Silva and a lot will be expected out of the Portuguese tactician in the upcoming season. He will need to decide which player he should go after and which player he should let go in the summer from the squad. One of the players who could part ways from Everton is Ashley Williams who is currently being linked with a move to Stoke City.
The Potters had a dismal season as they finished 19th and went down to the second division. They have appointed Gary Rowett as their new manager and it is believed that the new gaffer is willing to offer Williams a chance at the Bet 365 Stadium. The veteran Wales international has failed to establish himself at Goodison Park and it is likely that the defender will part ways with the club. Ramiro Funes Mori is another centre-back who has already left the club.
Williams was once asked if it had been a frustrating club campaign, he said: “Yes, definitely.”
That is as clear as it gets and it looks likely that Williams is likely to depart from the Goodison Park in the summer transfer window.
The Toffees are currently being linked to quite a few centre-backs in recent times and it is likely that Marco Silva will go on to sign a new centre-half in the summer. Even last season, the club had to rely on 35-year-old Phil Jagielka and the veteran is certainly not good enough to start week in week out for his side at this point of his career.
Stoke City will certainly be happy if they can get their man as Williams has a good amount of experience in the Premier League and Championship as well. The 33-year-old can still offer good results at the Championship level and he and Ryan Shawcross can form a strong partnership at the back for Gary Rowett’s side.
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Williams had made 34 appearances in all competitions last term and started the season as the first choice centre back. However, his performance slowly deteriorated and the Merseyside club used Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka’s pairing for most parts of the season. Williams is a strong centre-back but is often prone to making errors which leads to devastating consequences for his side. Silva will probably look for more younger options in the summer and it is likely that they won’t mind getting rid of Williams.
