Swans loan stars looking likely to be leaving for keeps in transfer window
Swansea City are willing to let the majority of the players who left on loan this season to depart on a permanent basis this summer.
A number of fringe players were allowed to join clubs further down the English Football League pyramid in the two transfer windows under Russell Martin to date. And WalesOnline understands most of those who have played their football away from the Swansea.com Stadium of late can leave the club if the right offer is received.
Steven Benda is eager to play on a regular basis and has fallen behind Andy Fisher in the pecking order at SA1. Despite the fact Ben Hamer is leaving the club, Swansea remain determined to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.
As a result, German shot stopper Benda - who has just completed his loan stint with Peterborough United - is likely to be sold, or loaned out if required, in the near future.
The same applies to several others including Liam Cullen, Morgan Whittaker and Jordon Garrick. Cullen made 14 appearances for the Swans in the first-half of the campaign before following in Whittaker’s footsteps by joining Lincoln City on loan in January.
The Welshman endured a tough stint with the Imps, scoring just once in his 20 outings for the League One outfit. Boss Michael Appleton - who has since left the club - recently said: “Liam only came in in January and it’s not quite happened for him.”
Whittaker’s spell at Lincoln was more productive, with the 21-year-old netting five times in his 20 appearances for the club. Although, having been on the fringes under both Steve Cooper and current boss Martin at Swansea since joining from Derby County, it’s understood the attacker is now keen to kick-start his career elsewhere.
Garrick was a key figure at Plymouth Argyle this season, although the Pilgrims fell at the final hurdle as they agonisingly missed out on a play-off spot in League One. Nevertheless, Garrick developed well and bagged seven goals in 50 appearances for the Home Park outfit.
Liam Walsh made just three appearances for Hull City after leaving Swansea on deadline day in January, and, given his injury record, may find it more difficult to have his valuation and wage demands met by potential suitors. His place in the side is in doubt given that the Swans are well stocked in midfield while they are also targeting a move for free agent Joe Allen. You can read the full story on that here.
All of the aforementioned players remain under contract with the Swans, meaning they will either need to be sold or loaned out once again if they are to play regularly next term.
One man who is likely to buck the trend is Ollie Cooper who is hugely admired by the current Swansea coaching staff. The 22-year-old excelled at Newport County this season, and his absence due to a groin injury in the latter stages of the campaign had a significant impact on the Exiles’ form.
James Rowberry’s side were firmly in the mix for automatic promotion earlier this year, although they lost six of their last nine matches to miss out on the League Two play-offs. Cooper could yet secure another loan move away from the Swans, although he is expected to get the chance to impress in pre-season at Fairwood before the squad status will once again be assessed.
Speaking to WalesOnline earlier this month about those out on loan, Martin said: “I expect there’ll be a few who want to kick-start their careers and play elsewhere because they don’t fit the long-term vision of the team or have a position that is ideally suited to theirs.” You can read his comments in full here.
Dan Williams is currently recovering from injury while Lewis Webb will spend the remainder of the year with Shelbourne.
PORTSMOUTH are among a clutch of clubs eyeing up a move for Swansea striker Kyle Joseph.
The 20-year-old joined the Swans from Wigan Athletic last summer and featured twice in the Carabao Cup before joining Cheltenham Town on loan for the duration of the campaign. Joseph was predominantly deployed as a forward at the Gloucestershire club but was shifted to the right wing, a position he has also played in for Swansea.
However, his stint with the Robins was cut short in January as he returned to his parent club.