3 Sept 2015

'He's Immense': Redknapp hails 'outstanding' £15m Liverpool target who hates Suarez because of his 'superior manner'

During the 2012-13 season, Liverpool were constantly linked with a move for Swansea star Ashley Williams, and speculation arose again April 2015, with The Mirror claiming that Liverpool were considering a 'fresh move' for Williams this summer. Obviously, the Reds didn't follow up their interest, but ex-LFC midfielder Jamie Redknapp insists that top clubs have missed out on one of the Premier League's best defenders.

In his column for the Daily Mail, Redknapp raved:

"Ashley Williams has been outstanding. He is immense and plenty of clubs would love to have him".

Ironically, even with Williams' alleged 'outstanding' form, Swansea have conceded more goals than Liverpool this season, and have only one clean sheet in four games. Despite this, Swansea are ahead of the Reds in the league.

When asked about Liverpool's interest during the 2013-14 season, Williams told Wales Online:

“It is always nice to hear people say nice things about you, and a lot of people have been talking and saying good things. It just means I’m probably doing my job right and I try to keep working hard".

Soon after, Rickie Lambert - who played alongside Williams at Stockport County - revealed that he tried to get Williams to spill the beans on the potential Liverpool deal:

"I asked him [Williams]: ‘Are you going to Liverpool?' Ash wouldn’t tell me. He has done magnificently over the last few years and would be a great signing for Liverpool”

Lambert is not the only one who thinks Williams would be a great buy for Liverpool:

* In February 2014, Joe Allen told the Daily Mail: "Ashley [Williams] has got a lot of experience at a high level, and I’m sure he'd be comfortable at an even higher level"

* Ian Rush is also in favour of the deal: "To get Williams would be great. At the right price Swansea would let him go, and he would be good for Liverpool with his experience."


* Jan Molby concurs with Rushie: "He [Williams] looks better this season than he did last. He’s assured, even when he’s being put under pressure. He can play and he can graft. You don’t get many centre backs like that".

Given his antipathy towards Luis Suarez, though, it's hardly surprising that Williams' proposed move to Anfield fell through. In his book, 'My Premier League Diary' (Published on the 14th November 2013), Williams:

* Admitted that he 'truly dislikes' Suarez.

* Ridiculed his 'shocking' diving.

* Accused the Uruguayan of treating Swansea with 'utter contempt'.

* He also wrote: "I don't like the bloke [Suarez]. I don't like his superior manner. Basically, I have no time for the guy at all."

Well, Suarez is no longer at Liverpool, so if Liverpool were to go back in for Williams, that's one less barrier in the way of a transfer.

Dejan Lovren has done well in three out of four games this season, but if his form nosedives, Liverpool may need to bring in a new central defender during the January transfer window.

Is Williams - valued by Swansea in the £15m range - a viable option, and is he mentally tough enough to deal with the pressure that comes with playing for Liverpool?

Author: Jaimie K


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