Twenty two year old Gautier Ott is hardly a name on the tip of everyone’s lips this summer, but we now know a deal has been provisionally agreed between Swansea City and his club, Académico de Viseu. They play in the Poruegese second tier. (Liga Sabseg)
News was circulating yesterday of another swoop by the Swans in the same country as they purchased Ronald, and so it seems, Sporting Director, Paul Watson has returned to the country for more of the same. The ex TSG Hoffenheim youth product seems to have taken the eye of the Swans recruitment team. The player was brought to Portugal by German Roger Whitmann, colleagues of whom we have spoken to before regards players coming into the UK and Europe. Both he and Ronald’s agent at Fabio Mella trade regularly in importing players, especially Brazilian in to the Portuguese league system. In Ott’s case he is a Frenchman who has taken the eye of numerous scouts this season with a couple of goals and seven assists from the left hand side of the pitch.
He can play right side as well. This season he is being described more of a forward / winger so a versatile chap he seems to be.
The progression to the Championship for Ott will be a huge leap in standard. Some will tell you that the standard of Liga 2 in Portugal is no better than bottom of League one, some even say League 2. Rumours of a 1.5 million euro deal need to be taken cautiously, it’s more than likely Ott, if his paperwork does go through will be a staged payment with add ons. We would be very surprised if the Swans pay more than 500k up front. Paul Watson will have had the player statistically studied over the latter part of last season, however, he will be more reliant on his newly forged relationships within Portugal.
More on Gautier later, stay here for the meat on the bones of this summer transfer window.