Boss calls for patience as he focuses on Bony’s fitness
GRAHAM Potter says it would be “stupid” for him to waste time talking to striker Wilfried Bony over a potential January exit from Swansea City.
Bony has been tipped to move away from the club on numerous occasions since he returned to the Liberty Stadium from Man City, with Turkish giants Galatasaray being the latest side linked with the frontman.
Speaking ahead of his side’s Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday, Potter was asked if the Swans had received enquiries about the Ivory Coast forward, with the manager simply responding: “Nothing concrete.”
Due to the restructuring process in place following the Swans’ relegation from the Premier League in May, the club are understood to be open to offers for Bony, who earns a weekly wage believed to be in the region of £100,000.
And while Potter admits retaining Bony’s services may not be possible next month, the Swansea boss feels it’s more important for him to help get the striker back to full fitness to make an impact in SA1 rather than discussing his future.
“In Wilf’s case we need to get him back to full fitness and in January sometimes things are out of your hands if the player wants something or there is something the club can do,” said the Swansea manager.
“I haven’t got full control of everything and I’m open minded about the potential of what can happen.
“He’s been out for a long time, so it would be stupid of me to waste time with him talking about what may or may not happen in January.
“We need to make sure he enjoys his football again because he’s been out for a long while.”
Bony missed nine months of action after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against Leicester City in February but has made three firstteam appearances under Potter since returning from injury.
But ahead of the visit of the Owls, Potter revealed that Bony had suffered another injury setback, casting doubt over his availability for the clash with Josh Luhukay’s outfit.
Despite his latest injury problem, Potter admits that, with a bit of patience, the Jack Army could see Bony fulfil his potential again if he can enjoy a prolonged period away from the treatment room.
“After a long time out these sorts of things (small niggles) can happen,” added Potter.
“I know people are excited about what Wilf brings, but the reality is you have to be a bit patient. He’s felt a bit of tightness in his calf. We’ll see how it is. There is no reason why Wilf can’t get back to his best.
“But we have to understand he’s had an ACL which is a serious injury and he hasn’t played very much.
“We need to work with him, do the right things, and there’s no reason why if we do that, he can’t get back to full fitness and enjoy his football.”