Everton confirm signing of Ashley Williams from Swansea City

Everton have completed the signing of Ashley Williams from Swansea City, with the Wales international agreeing a three-year deal at Goodison Park.


Williams spent the last eight years on the books in south Wales but now the centre-back is set to ply his trade on Merseyside, after signing with Ronald Koeman’s men until 2019.
The fee is officially undisclosed but widespread reports suggest that a bid of around £12 million was accepted for the 31-year-old, who the Toffees have turned to after selling John Stones to Manchester City earlier in the week.

#WelcomeAshley pic.twitter.com/abMo9ml1zS

— Everton (@Everton) August 10, 2016

Speaking on the move, Williams told Everton’s official website that he felt the time was right for a new challenge and is looking forward to working under Koeman.
Williams said: “I’ve had eight great years at Swansea and, for me, the new challenge was something I felt I needed, so I’m delighted to have joined Everton.

“Everton is a great club with an unbelievable manager – a world legend in football – and I believe the club is going in the right direction. This is something I wanted to be a part of.”

The defender captained Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 this summer and becomes the latest high-profile player to depart Swansea, after Francesco Guidolin sanctioned the sale of Andre Ayew to West Ham United.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has revealed that the club initially rejected an offer from Everton for their captain, but Williams told the Swans he wanted a move.

And thanks to his long service, Jenkins decided to allow Williams the move after the Toffees made an improved bid.

Speaking to Swansea’s official website the chairman said: “We are disappointed to lose Ashley. It is definitely not something we wanted to happen.
“But having turned down Everton’s initial offer, Ashley expressed his desire for a new challenge at this time of his career.