Posh return possible for ‘keeper Benda
STEVEN Benda has left the door open to a possible return to Peterborough United this summer.
The German goalkeeper started the season as Swansea’s first choice shot stopper but was replaced by Ben Hamer having made seven first-team appearances under Martin.
He joined the Posh on loan in January and featured 11 times for the club, although his progress was halted due to a back injury while he later sustained a broken finger.
And following the end of his loan with the Cambridgeshire club, Benda thanked the Peterborough
fans for their support.
“Hi @theposh fans, I just want to say thank you for your support this season,” he wrote on Instagram. “I felt really appreciated and enjoyed every minute playing for Peterborough. I’m sorry that I couldn’t help the team stay in this league but I know the club will be back stronger. See you again, Steven.”
Ben Hamer – who is now out of contract – will leave Swansea this summer, and Martin’s men are expected to delve into the transfer market to recruit at least one goalkeeper having already brought in Andy Fisher from MK Dons in January. It means Benda will be allowed to find a new club in the summer.
The 23-year-old - who moved to south Wales from TSV 1860 Munich in 2017 - has two years left to run on his Swansea contract.
Speaking about Benda in March, Peterborough boss Grant Mccann said: “I didn’t get to work with him very long but I can see he is a very good goalkeeper.”
Meanwhile, Oli Cooper has returned to Swansea following his loan spell with Newport County.
The Welsh youngster spent the duration of the campaign on loan at Rodney Parade and excelled under both Michael Flynn and James Rowberry. His absence in the latter stages of the season due to injury was sorely felt as the Exiles missed out on a place in the League Two play-off places.
And following the conclusion of the 2021/22 season, Newport have confirmed that Cooper has returned to the Swansea.com Stadium while former Swan Courtney Baker-richardson has been offered a new contract.
Cooper is highly rated by Swansea’s current coaching staff and will be given the chance to impress when the squad link up again for pre-season in mid-june.