Swansea City Season Preview
Continuity, something which is crucial for Swansea this season.
After the turmoil of last summer with the departure of Russell Martin and the departure of key players in Ryan Manning, Joël Piroe and Michael Obafemi, along with the disastrous appointment of Michael Duff, this season promises a lot more.
Last summer’s transfer business was one to forget. Strikers Jerry Yates and Mykola Kukharevych have both left this summer on loan having been two of Swansea’s top signings last summer, however, the business in January was much more positive.
Ronald brought the speed required on the wing while Przemysław Płacheta’s short term contract showed promise before he moved to Oxford United in the summer.
This summer, the transfer business appears to be sensible, although the age old position of striker remains a question.
Departures
As mentioned, the departures up front leave Swansea a bit light in the goalscoring department and the loan returns mean that this summer has been a bit of a firefighting mission at times.
The big loss is Nathan Wood who departs to Southampton for £3m to join Russell Martin after a £10m bid last season was rejected.
Fans may have hoped Przemyslaw Placheta would have extended his stay while the talented Liam Walsh departs following an injury ravaged few years.
The Signings
Gonçalo Franco
Age – 23
Position – Central Midfield
Former Portugual U20 international Franco joins Swansea from Moreirense. Dubbed as a “next level” signing by the fans, Franco joins having made the most interceptions and second most tackles in the Portuguese top-flight last season.
His ability to break up play will be a huge asset to Luke Williams’ team as a partner for creative hub Matt Grimes in the centre of the pitch.
With two goals in the final two games of last season, Williams will also be hoping Franco can keep his shooting boots into the new season and provide some thrust from midfield which has been lacking at times for the Swans.
Lawrence Vigouroux
Age – 30
Position – Goalkeeper
Lawrence Vigouroux joins from Burnley to fill the hole left by the end of Carl Rushworth’s loan.
The former Tottenham and Liverpool man will need to go a long way to replace Rushworth following an impressive season but he is good with his feet and will fit into Williams’ build from the back tactics.
“Vigouroux was at Burnley as their back-up goalkeeper,” said journalist Philip Marsh on the Sportin Wales podcast.
“He isn’t known as a shot-stopper but he plays with his feet, ‘the Swansea way’ and that makes sense as a signing.”
Žan Vipotnik
Age – 22
Position – Striker
Slovenian international Žan Vipotnik joins Swansea from French Ligue 2 side Bordeaux where he scored 10 goals in 40 appearances last term.
With the French club accepting relegation and renouncing their professional status following financial issues Vipotnik joins on a free after playing for his country at Euro 2024.
Vipotnik joins a front line which is lacking a focal point with Yates and Kukharevych both departing on loan to Derby and Hibernian respectively and Jamal Lowe returning to Bournemouth following his loan spell. It still looks like an area the Swans need to strengthen further.
Eom Ji-sung
Age – 22
Position – Left Wing/ Central Attacking Midfield
A South Korean international at the Swansea.com will bring fond memories for fans who saw Ki Sung-yueng during his six-year stay between 2012 and 2018.
Eom is a very different signing with plenty of pace and close control while he will also look to cut in on his right foot and curl in a goal or two having scored 20 goals in 98 appearances for former side Gangju FC in South Korea’s K League 1 and 2.
The South Korean was a top target and Swansea boss Williams said: “We know he is a player who is going to bring pace and creativity for us.”
“He has an ability to play in different positions, we have a chance to assess that in training and in friendlies. From that we can build a picture of how he likes to play when he is out wide or when he comes in to more central areas.”
The Manager
There is no doubt that Luke Williams is a good coach. The former Notts County boss has a distinctive style of football and that fits perfectly with ‘the Swansea way’.
He is well spoken and anyone who has seen the clip of his explanation why his former team played with short corners will know that he is a good communicator and tactician.
“Swansea’s biggest error last year was the six or seven weeks it took to find a new manager,” said Marsh.
“By the point Williams was appointed, it was January and the middle of the transfer window.
“He was trying to play a system with players who weren’t necessarily his and now he’s had the summer to put his mark on the team and they’ll play that way regardless of who they come up against.”
The Bookies Thoughts
Now we turn to Dragon Bet and their thoughts ahead of the season. Firstly, will Swansea do the job and finish ahead of their South Wales rivals Cardiff City?
Well Dragon Bet have Swansea as slight favourites at 4/5 compared to Cardiff at evens. Swansea are 35/1 to finish top and 11/1 to be promoted.
Odds are slightly shorter for Swansea to be relegated at 11/2 and another double against Cardiff is at 13/2.
Swans fans hope they will start this season better than they did last and a win at Middlesbrough on opening day is at 3/1.
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