‘Not up to me’ – Key Barnsley man confirms ongoing contract talks as deal winds down
Barnsley captain Jordan Williams has confirmed talks are ongoing over a new contract with his current deal expiring at the end of this season.
Barnsley signed defender Williams in the summer of 2018, bringing him in from Huddersfield Town. The 24-year-old has become a vital player for the Tykes, playing 164 times for the club across spells in the Championship and League One.
He assumed the role as club captain earlier this summer too, taking the role after Mads Andersen’s replacement skipper Liam Kitching also moved on. As ever, Williams has been a mainstay, playing all 90 minutes in all 14 third-tier games thus far, though mainly in a new role as a centre-back.
Questions have been asked over his Barnsley future though. His deal is up next summer and given the level of his performances and previous Championship interest, his situation is one that many will likely be keeping an eye on.
One to hold onto
It’s no secret just how important Williams has been to Barnsley in recent years. His influence has only grown further since becoming Neill Collins’ captain too, so the Tykes will know the importance of holding onto him beyond the end of this season.
There’s no doubt that the versatile defender is a Championship player though. If a deal isn’t sorted sooner rather than later, you have to think teams will start to line up a cut-price deal for him this winter or potentially even a free transfer swoop next summer.
Until then though, Williams looks to be remaining focused on on-pitch matters for Barnsley. Collins’ side sits 3rd in the League One table, two points away from the automatic promotion spots after a run of four games without defeat.
Now though, speaking to the Barnsley Chronicle, Williams has confirmed talks are ongoing. He insisted the matter isn’t ‘up to’ him, but stated his desire to get the team back into the second-tier. He said:
“Negotiations are going on. It’s not up to me. It’s down to everyone else.
“My main aim is to keep doing well for the club and hopefully we can do one better than last season. I have loved my time here and I want to help the club back into the Championship.”
One to hold onto
It’s no secret just how important Williams has been to Barnsley in recent years. His influence has only grown further since becoming Neill Collins’ captain too, so the Tykes will know the importance of holding onto him beyond the end of this season.
There’s no doubt that the versatile defender is a Championship player though. If a deal isn’t sorted sooner rather than later, you have to think teams will start to line up a cut-price deal for him this winter or potentially even a free transfer swoop next summer.
Until then though, Williams looks to be remaining focused on on-pitch matters for Barnsley. Collins’ side sits 3rd in the League One table, two points away from the automatic promotion spots after a run of four games without defeat.
