The Swans have made quite a mark on youngster Charlie Patino, so much so he will sign on in west Wales on a season long loan this afternoon. It’s quite a coup for the Swans with numerous other clubs very keen to get his signature.

With quite a glut of midfield players we expect Patino to play a more forward midfield role as he has done for his parent club. However, he is adaptable across the midfield line. This signing doesn’t really settle the left back situation for head coach Michael Duff, in amongst the sudden drop in interest by Swansea in FC Köln defender Kristian Pedersen. He was all set to sign for the Swans when for whatever reason the deal stalled.

Patino who started his career at Luton Town was on loan at Blackpool last season, and despite their relegation earned many plaudits.

Having represented England at every level to under 20 he can still play for Spain where his father holds a passport. He completed thirty seven games for Blackpool scoring three goals last season and scored on his Arsenal debut in the league cup against Sunderland. The Watford born player likes a tackle and has a good armoury of skills. He enjoys picking the ball up from deep and creating opportunities at pace.

See Charlie and his numerous attributes on YouTube.

He does like drifting out to the left hand side of the pitch but really cannot be expected to step in as a left back ? That isn’t his game so Swans fans must hope when he does appear it’s in a natural position. What Duff will have is an option in the centre of the park, and a player who enjoys a more expansive game with a desire to turn defence in to attack. He was left out of the Arsenal party last month that set off to Germany leaving him to post on his instagram page an empty pool and an empty training ground to boot. It was rumoured even two weeks ago he would be happy to secure a permanent deal away from Arsenal, however the club triggered a two year extension in his contract. That seemed at the time to be more of a way of protecting their asset and securing cash for the nineteen year old if he was to leave.

On the face of it this will be a loan deal, however with his squad exclusion last month and his desire to get more first team action there could well be some leeway for a permanent deal if this loan is successful at Swansea.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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