Swansea City still ready to do more transfer work : But who ?
Saturday, 15th Jul 2023 08:00 by Keith Haynes

Swansea City haven’t stopped in their search for more players to bolster their first team squad with a forward, defender and goalkeeper top of their priorities in the coming weeks. And dependent on players leaving there could be more.

New Swans head coach Michael Duff has seen numerous areas that need strengthening within his current squad in the last few weeks, even though the Swans have signed Josh Key and Josh Ginnelly as free agents. The former is currently having the fee payable to his old club Exeter City assessed due to his age. They have also paid out in the region of two and a half million pounds for Jerry Yates from Blackpool. Ginnelly unfortunately is facing a lay off with a calf injury. Apart from trouble with his achilles tendon in 2020 and 2021, Ginnelly does recover quickly from injuries - including a hamstring and bone bruising in 2022 and 2023.

Josh Key will get more minutes this afternoon against Swindon Town in a behind closed doors friendly, and Jerry Yates will almost certainly see some time on the pitch as well. The Swans haven’t reached in to their new season coffers yet either. Realistically with the Michael Obafemi money still not all spent they are still in the black financially, and are determined to recruit new players in to Michael Duff’s squad. We have spoken to some close sources and have been told the shopping is far but over. With Kyle Joseph leaving this week, and of course Joel Latibeaudiere and Ryan Manning no longer Swans players the wage bill remains stable.

That’s three players out and three players in as it stands, and the academy have also been busy bringing in new blood this summer. If you haven’t checked then have a look, it’s exciting times for the development players.

Recent speculation on a goalkeeper is accurate we are told but the Swans are still hesitant on who they want in the first team squad this season. Bailey Peacock-Farrell has been suggested as a favourite of Michael Duff, and Brighton’s Carl Rushworth isn’t out of the picture either. Farrell is the more experienced keeper at twenty six, and a full international for Northern Ireland. He would be the preferred choice, but with his parent club Burnley back in the Premier League it could prove difficult. A loan move would suit both clubs.

No firm discussions have been held regards them joining the Swans. However, this could change dramatically by the end of play on Sunday.

In defence there is room for more quality first team players. George Cox (below) has been touted to Swansea by his representatives (confirmed) but they are not the only side to be aware of him. Blackburn Rovers have shown interest but are financially unable to do much at this time. Blackburn’s director of football Gregg Broughton has made it clear they cannot pursue any players currently unless they sell. With Cox now able to move back to the championship he would be a great signing for the Swans. The left wing back played over one hundred games for Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands, but is now a free agent. His adaptability on the left side of the pitch has been utilised by Sittard on many occasions. The Brighton academy product is keen to move back to the UK having potentially ended his career in Holland, for now.

The striker situation is interesting because Jerry Yates cannot be expected to fill Joel Piroe’s boots IF he leaves this summer. That seems pretty certain with a host of clubs interested. Of course if he stays then that’s a deadly strike force for any Championship defence to contend with. However, Morgan Whittaker and Liam Cullen remain willing replacements as well, the former did have a few suitors, all of whom have cooled off their interest it seems. Cullen we do know has made it clear he wants to stay at Swansea City. He can leave at the end of next season but does have a one year option. Last season was his best ever for the club for sure.

A lot now depends on the Piroe situation and indeed the increased interest in Matt Grimes which has been speculated upon this week. Of course with no bids for either player and at last a slight lull in Swansea City business it’s all eyes on todays selections against Swindon Town. More will be learned for sure as once again Michael Duff chooses two sides to face the Robins this afternoon at Fairwood.