TRANSFER LANDSCAPE CHANGING FAST FOR THE SWANS
THERE’S seldom ever a quiet summer in SA1, and this transfer window promises to be no different for Swansea City. Russell Martin stressed on several occasions the difficulties of implementing his methods and moulding a squad in his image without the luxury of a proper pre-season, during what was clearly a transitional campaign. With that in mind, the coming weeks will be crucial, and a number of names are seemingly already on the radar.
Here, we take a look at each one, and where things stand.
JOE ALLEN
Swansea are keen. More specifically, Martin is keen, but at the time of writing there is little indication of there being anything on the table as of yet.
The Swans aren’t the only ones in the mix, of course. As many as a dozen clubs, including two from the Premier League and some abroad, are believed to have also shown an interest, although Allen’s camp are understood to have been keen on hearing what current club Stoke City have to offer before exploring other options.
Allen is certainly open to a return to his boyhood club, and has already accepted that he will likely have to take a pay cut wherever his next move may be, with even Stoke unable to match his current terms at present. Nevertheless, the Swans would still need to make a competitive offer if they are to be in the frame.
One source has suggested to WalesOnline that Martin has been hamstrung by the fact that he doesn’t yet know what sort of budget he’ll be working with yet, with Swansea’s transfer kitty likely to be defined by potential departures, including Joel Piroe. Martin himself alluded to just that by admitting there’s currently ‘no room’ for Allen in his midfield at present. A departure or two could grease the wheels, but a lot will depend on whether Allen is willing to wait.
REMY MITCHELL
According to reports elsewhere, the 18-year-old could well be in line to be Martin’s first signing of the summer. It’s not clear whether the Arsenal teenager would be a signing for the first team given his young age, but a goalkeeper is certainly near the top of Martin’s wishlist in light of Ben Hamer’s departure, which was confirmed in the club’s retained list.
It’s understood Steven Benda, whether out on loan or on a permanent deal, is likely to follow him out of the door, which would leave Andy Fisher as Martin’s only real option between the sticks.
Reports have suggested that Mitchell is in advanced talks over a move to south Wales, with his contract with the Gunners set to expire next month.
CHARLIE AUSTIN
Reports have suggested that the Swans, along with south Wales rivals Cardiff City had already held talks with the veteran striker over a potential move, but it seems a move to south Wales is unlikely.
Sources in SA1 haven’t quite ruled out a move completely, but have stressed that Austin is unlikely to be on the club’s radar at present.
The 32-year-old is likely to have a fair number of potential suitors after leaving QPR as a free agent this summer, but this one doesn’t currently seem to be a goer for the Swans.
CHIEDOZIE OGBENE
One of the more recent names to emerge, but this one already looks similarly unlikely. Sources in south Yorkshire have claimed that Martin is a keen admirer of the Republic of Ireland international, who would have become a free agent his summer had the Millers not decided to trigger the option of an extra 12 months on his current deal.
The winger certainly fits the bill in terms of what Martin might be looking for, but the requirement of a transfer fee will have severely dented any hopes of bringing him to SA1.
MATTHEW SORINOLA
Another wing-back option who fits the bill in terms of what the Swans are looking for in this window. Martin knows the 21-year-old well from their time at MK Dons together, and sources in Belgium have told WalesOnline that he’s been on the radar of the Swans since January. However, it seems they might not be the only ones taking a look.
There’s also believed to be interest from Scotland, and indeed the
Premier League, but Sorinola is understood to be a keen admirer of Martin’s methods. Whether or not that’s enough to swing in Swansea’s favour remains to be seen.
Sorinola’s current employers, Union Saint-Gilloise, are understood to rate the full-back as a hot prospect for the future, but could well be open to a loan move next term, which would suit the Swans down to the ground. However, there’s no indication of anything being on the table at this stage.
HARRY DARLING
Another player well known to Martin from his time at MK. The centreback is certainly a player he would like to bring to SA1, and the failure of Darling’s side to earn promotion to the Championship may well strengthen Swansea’s hand a little.
One way or the other, there are plenty out there who believe Darling is destined for the second tier. At the moment, however, there is no indication that Martin has firmed up his admiration with a formal bid.
MARCUS HARNESS
Reports on the English south coast had suggested that the Swans have held an interest in the 26-year-old since January, with the same report claiming that Blackburn Rovers have also been keeping tabs on the situation.
Like Ogbene, Harness was initially set to become a free agent this summer, but Portsmouth have since decided to trigger the option to another 12 months on his current deal. Again, it’s a situation that will have dealt a huge blow Swansea’s hopes.
While a move hasn’t been categorically ruled out, club sources have subsequently played down the extent of any interest at this stage.
CYRUS CHRISTIE, LEFT
The situation seems quite simple. Swansea want to keep him, and, after being released by Fulham, Christie appears open to staying. However, there’s clearly work to be done before deal can be confirmed.
“We are probably a little bit apart in terms of where he has been financially and where we are at,” Martin said recently. “I think the conversation will keep going on and it might change again. But we have to have other options apart from Cyrus as well.”
There had been some suggestion Nottingham Forest were ready to swipe Christie from under Swansea’s nose, but those links have since been dismissed by reports in the Midlands.
HANNES WOLF
As above really. Swans want to bring him back, and it’s understood the player himself is open to returning, but it all comes down to what parent club Borussia Monchengladbach want to do next.
ETHAN AMPADU
Links with the Wales star have died down recently, and it’s not clear how much interest, if any, there is from the Swans at this stage. Ampadu himself is understood to be finishing off his loan spell at Venezia, who were recently relegated from Serie A.
But while the club have endured a miserable season, Ampadu has frequently found himself on the end of praise from the Italian press for a series of assured performances.
Contrary to recent reports, Chelsea have not yet made any decision on what will happen next, while the player is similarly unlikely to make a call on his next move until Wales’ World Cup fate is decided. In any case, even if he were available this summer, it’s understood Ampadu would likely be setting his sights higher than the Championship.