HIGHLY-RATED winger Jordan Williams has signed for League One side Rochdale from Barrow for a club record fee thought to be in the region of £100,000.
The 24-year-old had caught the eye for the Bluebirds and was reportedly being chased by a number of Football League clubs.
Bury, however, have won the race for his signature, and Williams has signed a two-year deal after spending 18 months with Barrow.
Williams had fruitful spells with Burscough and Northwich Victoria before Barrow boss Paul Cox took him to Holker Street in January 2016.
He scored 12 times in the National League for the Bluebirds last season and made 70 appearances in total, netting 20 times.
The deal for the winger is thought to also include add-ons and the fee eclipses the £45,000 believed to have been received from Luton Town for striker Jason Walker back in 2010.
After the move was made official, Williams said: “A massive thank you for everyone at Barrow AFC for my time there, enjoyed every minute of it (and) wish them the best for the future.
“Absolutely delighted to sign with Rochdale. Can’t wait to get in and hit the ground running.”
A Barrow statement added: “Jordan Williams’ meteoric rise up the football Pyramid has taken another huge step forward.
“Jordan has agreed personal terms with League One side Rochdale and will begin the next chapter of his footballing career a further two tiers higher.
“Talks between the two clubs have continued over several days and offers from others were rejected along the way. Rochdale seemed to fit what the player was looking for in terms of status and style of play, and the agreement was finalised on Tuesday, with the chance to play at this higher level proving too good to turn down.
“The board of the club, and everyone behind the scenes, wish Jordan all the very best for his future and would like to thank him for his efforts on our behalf.
“One compliment that can be taken from our progress this season is the number of our players that have gained interest from clubs currently playing at a higher level. The task now for Paul Cox is to balance the comings and goings while still retaining the ambition of challenging for League Two status.”
