Everton confirmed on Friday that Ashley Williams has left the club after three years. The 34-year-old joined Everton from Swansea City in 2016 and made 73 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating six goals. He was a regular in his first two seasons at Goodison Park but fell down the pecking order in 2018/19.
Williams spent last season on loan at Stoke City after being on the periphery at Everton and made 37 appearances for the Potters, contributing two goals. His contract was up this summer and it was expected that Everton would let him go as he’s no longer considered good enough for Premier League football, at least under Marco Silva it seems.
With Phil Jagielka also being shown the exit door, Everton will need to shop for at least one replacement in the transfer market. Silva will only have Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate at centre-back next season.
Williams was never meant to be a long-term signing given he arrived at the age of 31, so Everton should have been prepared for his eventual departure. The £70k-per-week will now weigh up offers from around the world. He’s been linked with a move to the MLS.
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