Swansea City fans worldwide will be keeping a close eye on their social media accounts and favourite websites today as the club enter the final stages of the January transfer window. As it stands the Swans have not done any business regards players coming in but have most certainly reduced their salary outlays in the process.
There is little point in going over old ground this morning as we begin to hear of players travelling here, there and everywhere in the pursuit of a new start or the old footballers clincher, more money. Swansea City have several official and unofficial bids in place for players, all of which do not match those associated with these players actual valuations. The last few days has seen many contacts from agents to the Swans recruitment team in an attempt to find their players a new lease of life. Indeed and without doubt the wheels of process between agents and clubs has been evident behind the scenes all month.
On that note we expect Swansea City to continue their player recruitment this morning, and also to reignite at least three offers for players. There are inquiries lodged for numerous Premier League Under 21 players at some of the top clubs as well. Having said that the Swans recent track record on this issue is somewhat questionable. One of these inquiries could come to fruition today. The lack of a back up goalkeeper seems to be of concern as well, Steven Benda will be out for some time and there’s no recognised back up to Andy Fisher. The club may well have found this particular conundrum frustrating but they can sign a goalkeeper at anytime - even after the transfer window closes on an emergency basis.
Many fans are unhappy with this but remember Roberto Martinez operated with one name keeper for a lot of his his time at Swansea only turning to the emergency market when needs be. It has to be said that backfired on him on a couple of occasions. The fact Julian Winter made it very clear the club were looking to get some business done as early as possible this month and Russell Martin was indicating the club needed experience and help up front tends to suggest certain matters haven’t gone smoothly.
Harry Cornick is one target the club still remain hopeful on along with Chiedozie Ogbene, then there is the Exeter City right back Joshua Key who is most certainly one player who would add value to this Swansea squad. Replacing Michael Obafemi isn’t going to bother too many Swans fans if Morgan Whittaker can be retained today. That’s still not one hundred percent and guaranteed despite Glasgow Rangers and Swansea City comments yesterday, and our report first thing yesterday morning.
The best scenario for Swansea is to secure some more healthy first team impact players as referred to by Russell Martin a few weeks ago. Players who can make a difference to the first eleven not the squad. Cornick and Ogbene are those players but if the deficiencies in defence aren’t managed today then we can only expect the teams poor defensive record to continue. It has to be said with that being an area the club haven’t strengthened in is a big concern. Not only that it is yet to happen but if it doesn’t then why not ?
What has been Swansea City’s strategy this transfer window ?
Most certainly the club decided early on not to invest fully in players which saves money in the very short term. Allegedly money was in place to bring in new blood and sales were not required to do so. That hasn’t happened which indicates a money pot that couldn’t stretch to certain clubs demands for their players at the start of the month. By not investing the Swans save on a months salary at least, and of course going down to the wire gives them more of a chance of a rival club wobbling and acquiescing to a late transfer fee.
The FA Cup exit earlier on in the month gave the club some breathing space with a free weekend and that took the pressure off. However, the claims from within the club have not matched up to the evidence in reality. We know the majority owners are let’s say shrewd, others would say hopeless when it comes to transfer dealings. There is strong evidence of the club missing out on players, Matt O’Riley a point in case last January through poorly judged last minute decision making, that’s not in doubt. Something we reported on back then with good reason.
The spread of cash available to Russell Martin and Josh Marsh is most certainly not as much as anyone would expect. The club remains relatively solvent and still pursues investors. Jake Silverstein who was so prominent last January - and just before the window opened as well, this time around is now conspicuous by his absence. It all points to a sour finish for Swansea City with excuses abound come Wednesday morning for some. However, surely after all the chest beating and statements from within over the last five weeks of not doing anything will serve only to add fuel to the fire of those who find the Americans unpalatable ?
If going down to the final day was indeed a strategy it should tell everyone who has watched this month unfold how much of a huge risk that actually is. Reports throughout the day on this and much more.
Swansea Independent are wholly and totally against any form of racism in any form whatsoever. Regards the abuse of Michael Obafemi online. If you know those involved or have information regards these individuals then pass on the information to the police. This has seriously tarnished the good name of Swansea City and these comments aimed at Michael Obafemi are a disgusting reflection yet again of social media in 2023. Please contact your local police on 101. This is now an official police investigation and we support this course of action fully.