Swans could profit from interest in free agents
SWANSEA City will no doubt be looking to bring in some fresh faces to help improve their season.
The Swans need attacking reinforcements to solve their shyness in front of goal, but with January around the corner, plans are no doubt already in place.
They will be on a budget, however. With that in mind, here is a list of realistic potential targets they could look to sign in January in a cut-price deal due to their contracts coming to an end next summer...
TOM LAWRENCE
The Wales international is player who the Swans could look at getting in for the new year.
Lawrence is currently playing for Derby County and is enjoying a good first half to the season with four goals and three assists to his name. Swans head coach Russell Martin said that Lawrence wasn’t on his radar at present, but did add his admiration for the player.
Lawrence, 27, could be a good option. The Welshman can play on either wing and has been playing an in an attacking midfield position for Derby this season.
In normal circumstances, Lawrence would be a player who would be out of the Swans’ price range. But due to Derby’s financial difficulties, this is a player who could be bought for a lower price than what he is worth.
JOSH KOROMA
Koroma, 23, hasn’t been in the best form recently at Huddersfield Town. After scoring eight goals in 20 games last season in the league, this term he has scored just two.
The Englishman is predominantly a striker but can also play on either wing. This would suit both clubs as they both look to bolster their attacks.
Koroma has climbed his way up the English footballing pyramid, playing in every league from the National League to now in the second tier.
ROMAL PALMER
Having left Manchester City’s Under18s, Romal Palmer was soon brought to Oakwell and has rapidly progressed at Barnsley since then.
Palmer, 23, is a centre midfielder who has worked his way through the Tykes’ academy and has now made himself a regular starter.
The midfielder has played 15 league games this term and has been a shining light for a side who are currently sat in the relegation zone after having high expectations for this season.
Bringing in Palmer could be a route Swansea go down as Barnsley are in no position to set an expensive price tag being 23rd in the league.
LUKE FREEMAN
Luke Freeman, 29, is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for Sheffield United.
When Sheffield United were promoted to the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, their first purchase of the summer was Freeman from QPR for £5million.
The midfielder scored eight goals and provided six assists in his last campaign at Loftus Road, but things haven’t quite worked out for Freeman with the Blades.
At present it doesn’t look likely that Freeman will get offered a contract extension, as he hasn’t featured much under boss Slavisa Jokanovic. This could be a great signing for Swans, who are in the market for an attacking midfielder.
CHARLY MUSONDA
Chelsea winger Charly Musonda, 25, has already appeared to have confirmed his departure from the club at the end of the season on Instagram.
The Belgian has not played a match of competitive football for two seasons as he has been recovering from injury.
Musonda is a pacey winger who Swansea could look to acquire in January for a low price.
The winger has played for some big clubs, including Celtic and Real Betis.
LEWIS BAKER
The Chelsea midfielder has been at the club for 16 years but has failed to force his way into the first team.
The future for Baker, 26, as things stand is set to be a season in the under23s waiting for his Blues contract to run out next summer and leaving on a free transfer.
The Englishman hasn’t made an appearance for the European champions this season despite being named in their Champions League squad.
Other (selected) out-of-contract players: Nick Powell – Stoke City; Andy Yiadom – Reading; Sirki Dembele – Peterborough United; Callum O’dowda - Bristol City; Tom Lockyer – Luton Town; Alfie Mawson – Fulham; Sam Vokes – Wycombe Wanderers; Saido Berahino – Sheffield Wednesday; Keshi Anderson – Blackpool; Jeremie Bela – Birmingham City; Darragh Lenihan – Blackburn Rovers; Danny Batth – Stoke City; Josh Laurent – Reading; David Mcgoldrick - Sheffield United; George Honeyman - Hull City