Bristol City have ended any doubt around the midfielder’s future with Joe Williams’ agreement running until 2027
Joe Williams, who signed a new three-year deal at Ashton Gate to guarantee the Robins got off to a strong start in the summer, feels that Bristol City is “heading in the right direction.”
Williams’ previous contract was about to expire, making him a free agent next month. The 27-year-old has been drawing interest from teams throughout the Championship, with Preston North End being one of his known admirers. However, by pledging his future to BS3, the Scouser—who joined City four years ago after leaving Wigan Athletic—has eliminated any chance of him playing for a rival.
The Robins made the ideal early-season move by adding Williams, who has grown in stature to become a highly significant player under Liam Manning. Replacing Williams would have been a difficult and probably costly process.
Williams played in 45 games last season, making 30 starts in the Championship. He seemed like a vital member of the City midfield, having the most consistent season of his career while wearing a red and white shirt.
Williams remarked, “I’m happy to have it resolved and I’m excited for the next few years.” “I feel like we’re heading in a really good direction right now, so it was just about getting it done and staying here,” the speaker said. “All the conversations were always positive.”
Next season, Manning will have some intriguing choices in centre midfield as Williams will have competition for playing time from Jason Knight, Taylor Gardner-Hickman, and recent addition Max Bird. Adam Murphy, an Under-21 international for the Republic of Ireland, may also make an appearance in the starting lineup.
Williams is tough and aggressive while not in control, but last season he showed his growth when in possession, making several spectacular passes to set up Tommy Conway in the FA Cup third round match against West Ham.
The 27-year-old former Everton academy product is in a position to have the best years of his career at Ashton Gate, as he appears to be rid of the hamstring issues that hindered him during his first two years at City.
Manning remarked, “Joe has been fantastic during my time here, and I’m happy to have him as part of the squad moving forward.” It is evident that he is determined to succeed, which is a crucial quality for any team
Williams’ continued presence further reduces the number of possible departures this summer. The departure of Andy King, Matty James, and Andi Weimann, the seasoned three, appears to have been fully anticipated by City.
Manning would have preferred to expand on his 11th-place performance from the previous season, thus Williams’ exit wouldn’t have fit with the preferred plan. Now that Conway is approaching the last 12 months of his contract in BS3, City will try to keep his services by adding an offensive midfielder—ideally Scott Twine—a powerful No. 9 and a winger to the lineup.
Joe’s signing a new contract is exciting news, according to technical director Brian Tinnion. Fixing him up for the ensuing triennial
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