Ashley Williams to Everton: Latest Transfer Details, Comments and Reaction

Everton confirmed the signing of Swansea City captain and centre-back Ashley Williams on Wednesday, with the Welshman penning a three-year deal at Goodison Park. 

Everton manager Ronald Koeman told the club's official website:

"

We wanted to bring in a strong player in the central defence position, a player who knows the Premier League, and Ashley fits the bill for us very well. 

He is an experienced defender and the kind of player we need in the team. He is a leader. He showed this at Swansea, and he has shown it for his country, and he is looking forward to his new challenge here at Everton.

"

With Manchester City confirming the signing of John Stones, 22, on Tuesday, Williams, 31, will slot into Everton's central-defensive department with Phil Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori.

Former Everton winger Pat Nevin previously lauded the potential purchase of the Wales international as a good move, per BBC Wales: "I don't think many Evertonians would say no to Ashley Williams. What's not to like? He understands the game, he has real bravery and is a real leader as well."

Certainly, he will bring composure and experience to the centre of Koeman's defence and should soften the blow of Stones' departure.

Williams leaves Swansea after eight years at the club, during which time he made more than 300 appearances.

He helped the Welsh outfit win promotion to the Premier League in 2010-11 and triumphed in the 2012-13 Capital One Cup under former manager Michael Laudrup.

Per Opta and WhoScored.com, he has been one of the most consistently impressive defenders in the Premier League over the last few seasons:

Williams has also starred on the international stage, skippering Wales in their impressive run to the semi-finals at Euro 2016.

Though he is in the latter stages of his career, Williams is performing at a high level, and Everton have made an astute move in signing him up.

Proven centre-backs are few and far between on the transfer market, and the former Stockport County man should play a key role in Koeman's back line in the coming two or three seasons.