Swansea centre back Harry Darling finds himself in a real quandary after the weekends news on a new issue regards his knee after a scan.
Harry was originally out with a hip injury which saw him miss the away game at Watford and Burnley, both fixtures the Swans lost. The impact of Harry’s omission on Saturday against Burnley was enhanced by Hannes Delcroix not being able to play against his parent club. The timeline for Harry was interesting after both he and Sheehan were more than confident he had a decent chance of playing on Saturday. Sheehan became more cautious on Friday clearly knowing something was not right.
⚽️ We reported that here —> Harry fitness ?
It was one of those ‘don’t not shoot the messenger’ reports but on Thursday morning the plan for Harry was stress tests and closely monitored rehab over forty eight hours. We reported that clearly and really did feel a positive return was on the cards. A further test on Saturday threw up some issues for Harry resulting in a scan. We have an unconfirmed rumour that his insurance cover wouldn’t be in place without more investigation. As a result of that scan as we now know another problem was identified within his knee. That immediately put him out of Saturdays game and also raised concerns on his fitness for the rest of the season.
We understand there are plans to sit down and offer a final contract to Darling and his agent within the next four weeks. Thats pretty much on the cards now. Richard Montague confirmed our report on a new contract offer three weeks ago.
⚽️ That’s here Harry new deal talks confirmed
Swansea City now have a dilemma, as does any club interested in Harry’s services come the end of his contract in June. That’s his position with certain interest being displayed in him by Sheffield United and a more hopeful Bristol City around the corner. Much has been said on that but in reality his agent can only talk to clubs in specific FA locations away from Engkand and Wales. Of course reality and football are not good bedmates. They are merely passing ships after a one night stand with a view to a potential second meeting. Agents work throughout the year, regardless of FIFA legislation and will always talk within their own domains. If you want to know another players circumstances then call his agent, that’s the common practice for agents and their facilitators. You will find out so much more and of course yiu be able to do much of the groundwork for a client.
Basically once the extent of his injury is known, and we only know it’s ‘concerning’ then the Swans, Harry and interested clubs can forward any future talks. No club will be allowed to sign a player who has an injury which contravenes his medical insurance these days. That could well put the Swans in a stronger position of course. They have this player within their squad already, and if there is a lengthy lay off it could strengthen their bargaining position. That’s an unknown but what is known is that Harry has had a few injuries this season that haven’t helped him to return to his natural game positively.
We also know this. Any player, and that is almost in every case receives a signing on fee when out of contract and joining a new club. Interestingly that fee isn’t paid in in one go in nearly every case. Whatever the signing on fee is, as an example say over a four year contract will be paid out at £250,000 a year - if the agreement is a million pounds. We’ve got some really interesting myths to explode as we head towards the summer chase for players, some are pretty enlightening and some shocking financially. The signing on fee could be very much reduced based on recent injuries and overall fitness targets. You can bet your last pound coin that this is the focus of all clubs. Money.
It’s a shame for Harry Darling that he is currently caught in conversations on his future due to his recent injuries, it can’t in any way help any immediate decision making. Of course we have our fingers crossed it’s good news come his diagnosis which is believed to be over the next few days. And that’s the other issue, if it isn’t as positive as we hope - news on that could well be blocked to an extent to suit both him and the club.