In an attempt to bolster their defence, Pompey is keeping an eye on Jordan Williams, a right-back who played 51 games for the Tykes the previous season.

The right-back, who left Barnsley at the end of the season, has become a target for the Blues.

Prior to Friday’s opening of the summer transfer market, it is thought that the 24-year-old, who has previously spent two seasons in the Championship, is also of interest to Cardiff.

Williams spent six seasons with the Tykes, making 201 appearances and scoring nine goals. The Tykes were promoted from League One in 2018–19.

Additionally, he played against Pompey in both of the sides’ previous season encounters, notably the thrilling 3-2 triumph in April that brought the League One championship to Fratton Park.

As Barnsley’s captain the previous year, Williams made 51 appearances—all starts—and scored one goal in every League One match.

After Joe Rafferty left and the Blues decided not to pick up Zak Swanson’s option, right-back is a position they want to improve this summer.

Swanson may still be around since Pompey and the 23-year-old are currently negotiating the potential of Swanson signing a new contract to prolong his stay on the south coast.

However, Williams has the experience and leadership to fill the position as there isn’t a single contracted right-back available before the Championship return.

With 58 appearances in the Championship, the former Huddersfield player established himself as a stalwart of Oakwell after joining for an undisclosed transfer price in August 2018.

He was released, along with players including top scorer Devante Cole, Herbie Kane, and Nicky Cadden, after Barnsley’s play-off loss to Bolton in the League One semi-final.

Right-backs are needed by Pompey this summer as they prepare for the Championship.

Pompey hopes to assemble a team that will be competitive in the Championship the following season, thus they will be strengthening in every area this summer.
There are obvious voids to be addressed after six first team players were released when their contracts came to an end and four loanees concluded the season at Fratton Park. A successful transfer window is also important because, as they go to a higher level of football, they will naturally need to build on what they already have.

However, some members of John Mousinho’s team require more surgery than others, and the right-back position for the Blues is one such example.Zak Swanson appears likely to follow Joe Rafferty out of the team, leaving Pompey without a recognised right-side full-back at the moment.

Thus, Rich Hughes, the sporting director, has that as a top priority to handle in the upcoming weeks. What, though, are his options and what’s out there?

Since the Blues have often stated that funds will be made available for the correct acquisitions, the Fratton Park team will have the opportunity to spend this summer strengthening. However, Hughes & Co. will continue to search for sales. In an effort to save costs and make astute hiring decisions, they will also be examining the options on the free-agent market.

Which free agent right-backs might therefore be residing at Fratton Park come football season? We looked into the Championship and League One to find out, and this is what we found out.

1. From left: Reuell Walters, Jordan Williams, Danny McNamara and Cody Drameh

From left: Reuell Walters, Jordan Williams, Danny McNamara and Cody Drameh

2. Leeds United’s Cody Drameh

The 22-year-old defender for Leeds United played 30 times across all competitions while on loan at Birmingham in the 2023–24 season. 2020 saw him go from Fulham to Leeds for £350,000. Drameh, who is valued at 3 million euros by transfermarkt.com, has a tonne of Championship experience after stints on loan at Cardiff and Luton.

3.Millwall’s Danny McNamara

The Irishman came through the Lions youth ranks and has made 134 appearances for the team. Using his flexibility, McNamara played 33 times in the Championship last season, making 21 league starts for Millwall. Being able to play behind the defence would make him a compelling option for Pompey. Additionally, he has extensive knowledge of the region due to his loan stint with the Hawks in 2019.

4. Barnsley Jordan Williams

Over the last six years, the 24-year-old has played for Barnsley, making over 200 appearances for the Tykes. During the 2023–24 season, 52 of those appearances occurred, 45 of which were starts as Bolton destroyed Barnsley’s chances of promotion in the play-off semifinals. a dependable and versatile performer with continued growth.

This summer, Sunderland has the opportunity to sign Callum Styles of Barnsley on a permanent move.

After his loan stint at the Stadium of Light, Callum Styles has already stated he would like to remain at Sunderland for an extended period of time.

After moving from Barnsley to the Black Cats, the 24-year-old made 12 Championship appearances in the second part of the 2023–2024 campaign. In front of this summer’s transfer season, Sunderland is considering its options, including the possibility to make the agreement permanent.

Styles has qualified to play for the nation where his mother was born after being included in Hungary’s 26-man squad for the forthcoming Euro 2024 competition. With hosts Germany, Scotland, and Switzerland in Group A, Marco Rossi’s team is expecting for more international caps from Styles.’

In the May edition of FourFourTwo, the 24-year-old was questioned about his goals for his club and his career abroad, as well as his time at Sunderland. It’s been difficult because we’ve had two managers this season, Styles retorted. However, after nine or ten games, I began to enjoy myself, and the fans are incredibly ardent. It’s an elite club.

He responded, “I haven’t really thought about it, as I’ve been focusing on playing,” when asked about his future and what comes next. I would love to remain longer since Sunderland wants to make the Premier League, but a lot of things could go wrong. We’ll see.

“All I want to do at the Euros is play a few minutes. The primary goal is to leave the group since that’s when the real games begin.