It’s only fair we start our match day build up with some real facts regards how this transfer window is going. And of course we have to manage our own expectations because the noise is getting rather louder each passing day.
We’ve often included profit & sustainability within our reports, and this is done purely so most us can keep our feet on the ground. In fact this year post July will include the return for 2026. Keeping that in view and after last years some seventeen million loss there has to be some serious reductions. This season a further loss of thirteen players has helped, and of course the sale of Nathan Wood, the payment for Piroe in June, albeit being taken in to consideration for next years P&S return. The extra TV revenue which when stretched out can amount to nine million pounds. This is all money that is clearly going in to ensuring the club don’t go over the financial limits over the next two years.
Next year will display a far lower debt we are certain. And the Swans will want that to be matched the year after. Why ? There are two reasons, one and this is the main concern - the club remain viable to another investor or buyer. Any interested party can see that unlike many other clubs the debt is being serviced, and the club is well run. As much as it can be that is. Second is the threat of P&S sanctions and ensuring that won’t happen.
Then and only then will Chairman Andrew Coleman see what he has left.
The take from that is that players, no matter what people want, and no matter how much they moan and blame the Chairman, the Sporting Director, in fact anyone you care to mention are a second priority to the finances. We’ve said this before, it’s simple maths, the transfer money in this year is what the club will spend. Regardless of how it comes in. And the drastic reduction in salaries available at Swansea means players like Tyrese Campbell won’t be interested in wearing a Swans shirt. Especially with other clubs able to offer double.
Luke Williams talked yesterday of his disappoint and frustration at how the Swans possibly were not prepared for the position they are now in. He has a few players at the club who he openly admitted aren’t a championship standard yet. Nathan Tjoe-A-On was one he remarked upon.
He referenced his disappointment and said it in the much edited interview below.
You can’t ignore it, the salary scale, the desire to not have a club in big debt, and the decision makers ego at the top of the club means this is how it is. This is why Ruben Providence isn’t with us with his club wanting more money and why Noel Milleskogh, even though he has stated ‘I’m here’ is a struggle. Add Campbell and the club coming up against top agents for Gautier (below) when he was in the brink of joining caused issues.
You can only hope that one of these two players can be captured.
The club have brought in better than what we have this time around, but of course they need more. The link to Max Johnston sounds slightly desperate, however will he really want to come to Swansea and play second fiddle to Josh Key ? Because that is what will happen for sure. The Swans have stretched their own expectations this summer, they’ve met with brick walls and tough agents, add to that players who want more than the club can offer and this is where we are at. There will be more players recruited we know that, but they won’t be the original targets when this summer started. Loans yes, a few and potentially someone else who can inspire the Swansea faithful, and give them something to shout about. But it’s been a long summer, and definitely not what Luke Williams expected.
When you’re playing poker for money the issue will always be what you reveal on the call. And of course what funds you have to stay in. Swansea City have been called, and they have revealed their hand, unfortunately they don’t have the cards. Cool hand Luke anyone ? Get cooking those eggs Chef.