Signing experienced defender would be a mistake for Stoke

Stoke City are interested in signing Everton defender Ashley Williams according to The Guardian.

What’s the story?

The 33-year-old Welsh defender joined Everton in 2016 after a long and successful spell at the heart of the Swansea City defence.

He made 24 appearances last season for the Toffees but struggled for form, and now Everton are understandably looking to rejuvenate an ageing defence, with Phil Jagielka aged 35.

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The Guardian report that Stoke are interested in bringing the experienced defender, valued at £4.5million by Transfermarkt, to the Britannia next season to help them return to the Premier League.

Enough left in the tank?

Ashley Williams was a solid presence in the Swansea defence but it was clear for all to see that he was waning last season and appeared off the pace.

While Stoke are right to look at experience to shore up a leaky defence, Williams may not have enough in him for a sustained battle in the Championship – a longer and often more physical season than the top-flight.

He could offer a lot in the dressing room and would be an effective back-up, but for the sort of money Stoke would have to pay, there are surely better younger defenders available that could form the bedrock of their team for the next few years.

from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/2KklnMw