Swans’ hits and misses from window shopping
EVERY transfer window will bring about its hits and misses, such is life. Swansea City saw eight recognised first-team players, including the likes of Jack Cork, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente head through the exit door for good, while a further three went out on season-long loans.
And there were more temporary exits in January.
As players go, some must arrive, and the Swans did plenty of shopping, particularly in the summer.
All told, 18 players have arrived at the club – three of which being temporary moves – though many are players for the future.
As far as the key signings go, some have really made their mark while others have already left.
ROQUE MESA: £11 million (from Las Palmas, July 2017
THE Swans paid big money for Mesa but he struggled to live up to his hefty price tag.
He was in and out of the side during Paul Clement’s time in charge, making 13 appearances in all competitions winning just one league game during that period.
The midfielder started Carlos Carvalhal’s first game in charge – a 2-1 win over Watford – but then only featured in both FA Cup ties against Wolves before joining Sevilla on loan until the end of the season.
There is a buyout option in the deal and, despite making just three appearances this season, Mesa could extend his stay in Spain.
Earlier this month, he said: “I have no regrets about joining Sevilla and I would repeat the choice another thousand times.”
SAM CLUCAS: £15 million (from Hull City, August 2017)
ANOTHER who arguably struggled to live up to his price tag during the opening stanza of his time at Swansea.
Performances weren’t great, he was used as a stick with which to beat the Swans’ recruitment policy and was jeered off by his own fans during a home defeat to Brighton.
But, since Carvalhal’s arrival, his form has been on an upward trajectory, so much so that he was give a standing ovation following his brace against Arsenal. Funny how things can turn around in sport.
He has missed action recently with a knee injury he suffered against Manchester United in March, though he did feature against West Brom a fortnight ago only to aggravate the injury in training.
Is likely to play a substantial role in Swansea’s fight for survival if he can shake the knee problem.
WILFRIED BONY: £12 million (from Manchester City, August 2017)
THE striker returned to Swansea City on deadline day in August, two seasons after leaving for Manchester City.
It was a move that delighted fans, with many thrilled to see their former favourite back in South Wales, those question marks lingered over his lack of goals and game time in seasons that preceded the return.
He featured heavily under Clement, but a calf problem wrote October off before his season was ended by a hamstring injury in February.
Three goals in 19 appearances represents a poor return, though the bulk of those appearances came during Swansea’s worst performances of the season.
Has another year left on his contract and has enough credit in the bank with the Jack Army from his initial spell at the club to be given another chance.
ANDRE AYEW: £18 million (from West Ham, January 2018)
THE Swans broke their club record to secure Ayew’s return to SA1 on the January deadline day, handing him a three-and-a-half year deal.
Has only made seven appearances at the club since his return, so it may be a touch early to form any opinions on the success or otherwise of the move.
He will frustrate, though, if he continues to miss chances like the one against Everton last weekend and the longer he goes without contributing, the more it becomes an issue.
That said, the way he has linked up with brother Jordan at times has been encouraging and if that trend continues, goals will surely follow.
TAMMY ABRAHAM: Season’s loan (from Chelsea, July 2017)
THERE was a lot of interest around the young English striker, with many keen to see if he could make the step up after scoring 26 goals in 48 appearances whilst on loan at Bristol City last season.
The Swans have given the 20-yearold his first real crack at the top flight – making just two Premier League appearances at parent club Chelsea prior to the temporary move.
Five goals in his first 10 appearances for the Swans paved the way for plenty of hope and optimism, but they dried up through the autumn as he went 14 games without a goal.
Jordan Ayew’s emergence under Carvalhal has resulted in Abraham making just two league starts since the Portuguese arrived.
Will return to Chelsea this summer, with any sort of extension unlikely.
RENATO SANCHES: Season’s loan (from Bayern Munich, August 2017)
A signing that was greeted with immense optimism as it began to look as though Clement’s relationship with some of European footballs biggest clubs was bearing fruit.
He saw regular action in the first half of the season, though it was clear that he was struggling to find his feet.
Disappointing form was quickly followed by injuries as Clement branded him ‘damaged’ following his departure.
The midfielder has been with his parent club Bayern Munich recently to recover from a hamstring injury and there he will stay, it was announced yesterday.
Scans have deemed him unfit to return, though, with many fans questioning whether his return would be worthwhile at this point in the season.
The everlasting image of his time at Swansea will be him putting a pass into the advertising boards at Stamford Bridge. Such a lot of promise but ultimately, a real disappointment.
ANDY KING: Short-term loan (from Leicester, January 2018)
THE midfielder signed from Leicester on January deadline day, bringing with him all the pedigree of an experienced international.
He’s brought a calming influence and a balance to the side that will often go unnoticed because there isn’t a lot of flash about him.
That shouldn’t be deemed as a criticism of a player who is usually strong on the ball and good in possession.
The Welshman has a contract with Leicester until 2020 and any possible return to Swansea following the conclusion of his loan spell would likely depend on Premier League survival and whether he has a future at the King Power Stadium.