Swans to target striker in summer transfer window
THE season isn’t even over yet, but pointing out the weight of importance around Swansea City’s summer is already feeling like a largely pedestrian opinion.
After snapping up 16 senior players in the last summer window, it’s becoming obvious that a similar level of upheaval will be needed when the window opens, and having endured what’s been a pretty miserable season, supporters are probably a little anxious about it all.
In contrast, Luke Williams insists he’s excited by what lies ahead.
“I think we all have to be really excited about trying to get a really competitive group of players together, seeing if we can have an identity, a way of playing, and see where that takes us,” he said this week.
There are likely to be many twists and turns ahead, but there are some early signs around what we might expect from the Swans over the coming months.
Incomings
The Swans are likely to be looking at strengthening every area of the pitch in this window, but it’s understood a striker is at the very top of the club’s wishlist this summer.
The club are already in the process of whittling down a shortlist of targets, and are understood to be looking at markets both at home and abroad. But they will clearly have to be clever in the way they operate. After all, players capable of putting the ball in the net on a regular basis don’t exactly come cheap.
The success of Joel Piroe shows there are some hidden gems out there, and there’s real hope that the data-driven approach implemented by Paul Watson can unearth players that might not necessarily be on the radars of rivals.
Watson, in general, is facing a really important summer, and knows he will have to deliver tangible results if he is to repair relations with the fans, many of whom lay much of the blame for this season’s shortcomings squarely at his door.
A goalkeeper is also high on the list, with Williams seemingly pessimistic about the prospects of keeping Carl Rushworth, although a return hasn’t been totally ruled out at this stage.
Midfield is another area the club are looking at, with a move for Aberdeen’s Connor Barron likely to be revisited when his contract runs out at the end of the season, after the club failed with a move back in January. However, there’s likely to be competition for his signature, with several sides from Italy tipped to also make a move.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Marc Leonard has also been linked, but the early indications are that he’s not a serious target at this stage.
Contracts
The big question. Swansea have seven firstteam players out of contract this summer, and there’s unlikely to be any confirmation on any of their respective situations until the end of the season.
However, Williams has now identified the players he’d like to keep on, and has made his feelings known to the hierarchy.
It’s understood there is some appetite for offering Joe Allen a new deal, albeit on the likely proviso that it be on reduced terms. It remains to be seen whether he’d be interested, although Williams has indicated the midfielder would like to carry on his playing career.
Discussions are also under way over a possible new long-term deal for Liam Cullen, although the two parties are currently finding it tough to agree terms. Even so, one suspects the 12-month option will be triggered.
Kyle Naughton is a player Williams likes, and it’s unlikely he would demand a prohibitive package should he wish to carry on. A new deal certainly hasn’t been ruled out.
Przemyslaw Placheta may well feel like he’s done enough to earn a stay beyond the expiration of the short-term contract, while there’s clearly a decision to be made on Jamie Paterson, who has made no secret of his desire to extend his stay in SA1 but might well be looking for a package beyond what the Swans could offer.
Nathaneal Ogbeta will surely be on his way, while injuries have perhaps irreparably damaged Liam Walsh’s hopes of a new deal. Williams interestingly refused to rule the possibility of a short-term contract, but it seems almost certain that he will move on.
Outgoings
Those out of contract aren’t the only ones who will likely exit. Having made attempts in January, it seems likely the club will look to move striker Mykola Kuharevich on this summer and will also likely listen to any offers for Jerry Yates.
As things stand, all six of the current crop of loanees will head back to parent clubs, although there is some appetite for keeping Jamal Lowe on board, but wages are likely to be a huge stumbling block.
Meanwhile, the club are bracing themselves for renewed interest in Nathan Wood. The centre-back was the subject of a failed pursuit from Southampton last summer, and are expecting fresh interest in the upcoming window.
Should the right offer come in, the expectation is that he will be sold. For that reason alone, the possibility of tying him down to a new long-term deal is considered increasingly unlikely as things stand.