Transfer gossip: Egos, replacements and Liberty returns
Blog written by BarneyLW
Published: 24th June 2014 21:45
It isn't the most shocking thing that as the group stages of the World Cup are almost over and people are slowly coming to the terrible realisation that from here there will be less and less games (sometimes even days off with NO football) that transfer gossip is on the increase. Summers without international tournaments usually mean the rumours are all we have to sustain our craving for the round ball kicking, from May until August. So let me be the giver of good news, as I must say, with all the usual 'who is going to leave' pessimism, it is refreshing to be linked with a variety of players.
Just as a stopped clock tells the time correctly twice a day, Sky Sources were right to link Swansea with a move for French striker Bafetimbi Gomis. Any one who doubted it was soon put to rights when images appeared of him getting out at Swansea airport for talks. Fortunately, the weather has been nice too.
Links were made with the former Lyon striker last summer, the board were in discussion, as well as Newcastle United, both of which were snubbed, leaving questions about the strikers' attitude. Even more so with the reports that the free agent would demand wages in the 80k a week region.
He undoubtedly possesses talent, a striker who has played for his country as well as the Champions League, however the assumption came almost automatically that he is a replacement for current star Wilfried Bony. There were always going to be rumours circulating about the Ivorian, especially with his agent suggesting he would only move to a 'top 6 club'. That doesn't sound so bad, so let me rephrase; 'he would only move to just over a quarter of the Premier League.' Worrying?
There is certainly less of a concern over Michu leaving. Talismanic he may be, but almost a season out with injury has given the fans a bit more of a stress free attitude to the Spaniard departing. Although, the fact he has gone slightly off the radar for other teams could coincide with his value dropping dramatically as well. I, for one, would love a third season at the Liberty for the big Number 9.
Were he to leave, there have also been rumours about a return for Gylfi Sigurdsson. Easily my favourite loan signing the Swans have ever made, struggling for places at Tottenham could cause the Icelandic midfielder to return to his 'big fish, small pond/ status.
More prominent links have been made for a return for former star Scott Sinclair. Still a hero in my eyes, even if I did spend the first season in the top division shouting 'make a run Sinclair!' These rumours are hardly helped by his partner Helen Flanagan posting pictures on Instagram of the Gower. Why could she be there? Could she be back in her old home on a lovely day admiring one of Britain's most gorgeous beaches? Nonsense, it must mean her boyfriend is signing for Swansea again!
Without being facetious, it does highlight a growing concern with transfer rumours that we are so bored without club football, often we hang onto any small amount of information we are given and use it to make the truth ourselves. Players like Gomis and more notoriously Tom Ince prove that showing up at a club for talks in the modern game, means nothing.
On a more positive note, the talks of Ashley Williams leaving for Sunderland have temporarily died down. All that's left is for Garry Monk to start buying. The World Cup will be over before we know it, some excitement is needed!
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