Swansea City Thread

[davidge]

There look to be significant changes on the way in the running of the club.

A couple more Americans are buying in to the ownership. Doesn’t look as if it will lead to any significant spending, more a settling of debts.

The Sporting Director has gone and the current Luton SD is expected to be appointed soon. In addition, local press is reporting that the Chief Executive and the Head of Football Operations are also both expected to leave.

Throw in that the Manager and his staff are coming to the end of their contracts and there’s a lot going on!

[davidge]

Swansea City have named Andy Coleman as their new chairman after the American businessman bought a "significant shareholding" in the Championship club.

Swansea say Coleman, a part-owner of MLS side DC United, will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the club. 

The 49-year-old is to move to Swansea with his family and says he is "honoured" to become chairman. 

Two more businessmen, Nigel Morris and Brett Cravatt, are also close to buying stakes in Swansea.

"I have seen first hand on my numerous visits to Swansea, the passion and commitment of the supporters, and how much it means to this city," Coleman said in a statement issued by the club. 

"I'm putting my whole life into this club and this community. I promise to work tirelessly to represent the club in a manner that supporters can take pride in. I want to share in their enthusiasm for the club and its success, and I want all of us to enjoy it together.

"The facilities and infrastructure are best-in-class, and we look forward to building on the club's strengths to put Swansea City in the best possible position to achieve our shared goals."

Coleman's arrival raises questions over the long-term future of Swansea chief executive Julian Winter, while there is also uncertainty surrounding head of football operations Josh Marsh's role, with Swansea looking to appoint Luton Town's Paul Watson as their sporting director. 

Despite the new investment, Swansea's current ownership group will remain in place.

Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan bought a controlling stake in Swansea in 2016, and were joined by fellow American businessman Jake Silverstein four years later.

A statement released by the club said Coleman, who takes up his role immediately, will "act as operating partner of the club's majority ownership group".

In the statement, Levien added: "We believe what Swansea City needs now is a chairman on the ground with the authority to run the club. 

"Andy's passion for this project is palpable, and his commitment and leadership are exactly what the club needs."

The statement added that Coleman "arrives with a wealth of experience, having built one of the world's leading hospitality industry finance businesses for Berkadia in the United States".

Coleman has also sent an open letter to Swansea's fans in which he pledges "to be as transparent as possible".

US-based Morris, who was co-founder of finance firm Capital One, and Cravatt have held extensive talks over buying a stake in Swansea. 

Swansea's owners have been seeking new investment for a number of months and have been open to bringing in new shareholders to provide the club with greater financial stability.

The restructure does not mean a takeover at Swansea, with Kaplan, Levien and Silverstein - all of whom are also investors in DC United - still committed to the club.

They appointed Winter as chief executive in September 2020 after Trevor Birch - who was Swansea's last chairman - left to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Marsh left his role as Huddersfield Town's head of recruitment to join Swansea in June 2022. 

He was a replacement for Mark Allen, who left his role as Swansea's sporting director 12 months ago.

(BBC)

[davidge]

Several reports that Southampton are close to appointing Russell Martin.

No idea who we might get to replace him.

[davidge]

Swansea City expect Ryan Manning, Joel Latibeaudiere and Kyle Naughton to leave the club when their contracts expire this summer.

It comes as head coach Russell Martin emerged as the leading contender to become Southampton boss.

Martin had been due to hold talks with Swansea's American owners in Washington DC over his own future at the club this week.

However, the former Scotland international has not travelled across the Atlantic and is in the frame to replace Ruben Selles at St Mary's Stadium.

Swansea confirmed in its retained list that Manning, Latibeaudiere and Naughton are expected to become free agents next month, although it remains possible that not all three depart.

Speaking ahead of Swansea's final day win over West Brom, Martin said of the trio: "I'd love to keep all three, but we're not at that point at the moment."

He added: "I'll be really sad to lose one of them, let alone all of them."

Republic of Ireland international Manning registered 10 assists and five goals in the 2022-23 Championship campaign. He also won the club's Supporters' Player of the Season award.

Naughton has made more than 250 appearances for Swansea since joining from Tottenham in 2015 while Latibeaudiere has been a prominent figure under the current coaching staff.

Michael Obafemi will complete a permanent transfer to Burnley following the conclusion of his loan spell at Turf Moor.

Goalkeeper Andreas Sondergaard will also leave the club at the end of the short-term deal he signed when joining in February 2023.

Academy products Tivonge Rushesha and Daniel Williams, who have both made senior appearances, are to depart when their contracts expire this summer.

At academy level, Josh Carey, Richard Faakye, Zane Myers and Evan Watts have all been offered professional contracts.

However Geoffroy Bony, the son of former Swansea and Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony, along with Sam Leverett, Tarrelle Whittaker, Corey Hurford, Jada Mawongo, David Roberts and Wasiri Williams are to leave.

(BBC)

[davidge]

Swansea City can confirm head coach Russell Martin has left the club to join Southampton.

Martin had a little over 12 months remaining on the three-year deal he signed upon arriving at the Swansea.com Stadium in August 2021.

The club also stands firm in our belief that we are owed full compensation for Russell, and we will continue working diligently and strategically to protect the best interests of the club.

Swansea City would like to place on record its thanks to Russell for his work during his time in SA1.

The club will update supporters regarding a new first-team coaching staff in due course.

[davidge]

Local media fairly confident that 3 of his coaching staff are leaving with him.

He also wants to take at least 2 players to Southampton, including club captain Matt Grimes.

Deal reportedly agreed to appoint Michael Duff, current Barnsley manager, to replace Martin.

[davidge]

Local Fans network reporting that Duff’s appointment is confirmed.

It will be a change from the type of football and tactics that the Swans have been known for for many years now.

Duff prefers a pretty rigid 3-5-2 and not the passing game that the Swans usually play. If it doesn’t work then Swans fans probably won’t be too patient as they’re purists at heart.

[davidge]

Swansea City is saddened to learn of the passing of Max Thompson.

Everyone at the club sends their sincerest condolences to Max's family and friends at this sad time. 🖤🤍
 

[davidge]

Swansea City can confirm the departures of four members of the club’s coaching staff.

Assistant head coach Matt Gill, goalkeeping coach Dean Thornton, first-team performance analyst Ben Parker and head of rehabilitation Rhys Owen have all left the club to join Southampton.

Gill, Thornton and Parker joined the club following Russell Martin’s appointment as head coach in July 2021, while Owen was added to the Swansea staff in the summer of 2022.

Swansea City would like to place on record its thanks for their hard work during their time in SA1, and wish them well in their future careers.

[davidge]

Swansea City can confirm the appointment of Paul Watson as the club’s new sporting director. 

Watson arrives in SA1 following a successful five-year spell at Luton Town, where he played a key role in player recruitment as the Bedfordshire club reached the Premier League.

He assumes responsibility for all football operations at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Watson will work closely with head coach Michael Duff and chairman Andy Coleman, together with head of football operations Josh Marsh, and will have particular focus on player recruitment. 

He will have oversight of all football departments, including academy, sports science, medical and analysis, while he will also join the club’s senior management team.

“In any business, it is rare to find someone who is universally praised for their character and capabilities. Paul is one of those few people,” said Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman.

“He is an incredibly talented individual with tremendous football knowledge, and Swansea City needs football people making key football decisions.

“Paul’s arrival immediately strengthens the club, and I look forward to working with him and providing him with the resources to make a positive impact at Swansea City.”

After joining Luton in 2018 as general operations manager, he went on to be promoted to chief operating officer midway through the 2021-22 season.

During his time at Kenilworth Road, Watson proved a key figure behind the scenes as the Hatters climbed the Football League, culminating in their promotion to the Premier League back in May.

[davidge]

Swansea City head coach Michael Duff has made two additions to his coaching staff.

Alan Sheehan and Martin Paterson have joined the club as assistant head coaches, and take up their duties with immediate effect.

Sheehan, 36, who has held first-team coaching positions at Luton Town and Southampton, enjoyed a lengthy playing career that saw him feature for Leicester, Mansfield, Leeds, Crewe, Oldham, Swindon, Notts County, Bradford, Peterborough, Luton, Lincoln and Northampton.

The former left-back also won five caps for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s, and held a player-coach role with Oldham before his move into full-time coaching with Luton in 2022.

Paterson, meanwhile, played with new Swans boss Duff for Burnley and Northern Ireland, helping the Clarets secure promotion to the Premier League in 2009.

He worked alongside his former teammate at Barnsley last season, having previously held coaching positions in the United States with Tampa Bay Rowdies, Fort Lauderdale CF and Inter Miami.

The 36-year-old former striker represented Stoke, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Burnley, Huddersfield, Bristol City, Fleetwood Town, Orlando City, Blackpool, Port Vale, Tampa Bay and ATK in India during his playing career.

Kris O'Leary will remain as part of Duff's backroom team in his role as first-team coach.

Further updates regarding the first-team coaching staff will be made in due course.

[davidge]

Pre-season underway and the new management settling in.

Swans have signed two younger players that were free agents, with a few clubs after them both.

Striker/winger Josh Ginnelly signed after being released by Hearts but suffered a calf injury in training that doesn’t look good.

Exeter City defender Josh Key also joined the Swans in preference to other interested clubs.

Rumours and reports abound about other possible transfers. Everyone expects Piroe to be sold, with Atalanta, Leicester, Leeds and Forest meant to be interested. Brentford might be interested in signing Nathan Wood and Ntcham is another expected to leave.
Meanwhile, Blackpool striker Jerry Yates has meant to have chosen the Swans over other alternatives, and a fee has supposedly been agreed. Edit: Yates undergoing medical today. Swans also pursuing a possible loan deal for Villa striker Keinan Davis.

[davidge]

Swansea City has completed the signing of Jerry Yates from Blackpool for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The 26-year-old striker has signed a three-year deal through to the summer of 2026, with the option for an additional 12 months, and will wear the number nine shirt for the Swans.

Yates becomes Swansea’s third signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Josh Ginnelly and Josh Key.

Doncaster-born Yates started his career in the youth ranks with Doncaster Rovers and Rotherham United, making the step up to first-team level with the Millers.

The forward has loan spells with Harrogate Railway Athletic, Harrogate Town, Carlisle United and Swindon Town during his time at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Yates helped Rotherham secure promotion to the Championship via the play-offs in 2018, and won the League Two title with Swindon during the curtailed 2019-20 season, making the PFA Team of the Year during the latter campaign after scoring 14 goals in 35 appearances.

He joined Blackpool in the summer of 2020, and made a considerable impact as his 23 goals helped the Seasiders secure promotion with play-off victory over Lincoln City at Wembley.

Yates netted eight goals in Blackpool’s first season back at Championship level, and backed that up with 15 more last term, although it was not enough to prevent their relegation to the third tier.

He was PFA fans’ player of the year for the 2020-21 season, and was Blackpool’s player of the season for that campaign and the 2022-23 season.

Yates has 76 goals from 262 career appearances.

[davidge]

Swans have sold Morgan Whittaker to Plymouth for around £1m.

[JackinHK]

Will anywhere be showing the Swans game Vs Oxford pre season friendly early hours of tomorrow morning?

[davidge]

51 minutes ago, JackinHK said:

Will anywhere be showing the Swans game Vs Oxford pre season friendly early hours of tomorrow morning?

I doubt it but there is a livestream on Swans TV if you want to pay. It’s £12 total for all 3 friendlies. A bit more if you pay for each individually.

[davidge]

Swansea City has completed the signing of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.

The 22-year-old joins the Swans from Brighton for the duration of the 2023-24 campaign, and will provide competition for the number one shirt, as well as adding an extra option for head coach Michael Duff as Steven Benda completes his recovery from a knee injury.

Rushworth – an England Under-21 international who was part of the squad that recently won the European Championship – started his career with hometown club Halifax before making the move to Brighton in 2018.
 

 

Swansea City has completed the signing of Mykola Kuharevich from French club Troyes for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The Ukrainian striker, 22, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract in SA1 – with the option for an additional year - and will wear the number 19 shirt during the 2023-24 campaign.

He becomes the latest acquisition to Michael Duff’s squad, and further bolsters his options in the final third following the arrivals of Josh Ginnelly and Jerry Yates.

[davidge]

Swansea City has completed the signing of midfielder Charlie Patino on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.

The highly-rated 19-year-old joins for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign from Premier League Arsenal, who he has been with since the age of 11.

He will wear the number 18 shirt in SA1, and provides an additional midfield option for head coach Michael Duff with his dribbling ability and range of passing.

Patino becomes Swansea's seventh summer signing following the arrivals of Josh Ginnelly, Josh Key, Jerry Yates, Carl Rushworth, Mykola Kuharevich and Harrison Ashby.

Following stints with St Albans City and Luton Town, Patino – who is an England age-grade international and also qualifies to represent Spain – joined the Gunners in 2015 and has worked his way through the ranks.

He made his first-team debut for the north London club in a Carabao Cup meeting with Sunderland in December 2021, scoring a goal in a 5-1 win, before featuring in an FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest the following month.

He spent last season on loan in the Championship with Blackpool, where he played alongside another summer signing in Jerry Yates, and impressed in a side battling at the lower end of the table.

 

 

 

Swansea City have completed the signing of defender Nathan Tjoe-A-On for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance and visa approval.

The 21-year-old joins the Swans from Dutch club Excelsior on a three-year contract – which includes the option for an additional 12 months through to the summer of 2027 - and he will wear the number 21 shirt in SA1.

The defender's arrival provides head coach Michael Duff with a left-footed option as he seeks greater balance in his squad.

Born in Rotterdam, Tjoe-A-On came through the youth set-up at Excelsior and made his senior debut for them in 2019.

He helped them secure promotion in a dramatic play-off final at the end of the 2021-22 season, and he made 29 appearances in the Dutch top-flight last season, winning the division’s young player of the month award in September 2022.

[davidge]

In
Josh Ginnelly (free, Hearts)
Josh Key (undisclosed, Exeter City)
Jerry Yates (undisclosed, Blackpool)
Carl Rushworth (loan, Brighton & Hove Albion)
Mykola Kuharevich (undisclosed, Troyes)
Harrison Ashby (loan, Newcastle United)
Charlie Patino (loan, Arsenal)

Nathan Tjoe-A-On (undisclosed, Excelsior Rotterdam)

 

Out
Joel Latibeaudiere (free, Coventry City)
Ryan Manning (released)
Tivonge Rushesha (free, Reading)
Andreas Sondergaard (released)
Daniel Williams (released)
Michael Obafemi (undisclosed, Burnley)
Kyle Joseph (undisclosed, Blackpool)
Morgan Whittaker (£1m, Plymouth Argyle)
Olivier Ntcham (undisclosed, Samsunspor)

[davidge]

Swansea City captain Matt Grimes has put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension through to the end of June 2027.

The 28-year-old midfielder’s deal had been due to expire in the summer of 2025, but this agreement secures the long-term future of a player who made his 250th appearance for Swansea City against Hull in April.

It would also see Grimes bring up a dozen years in Swansea colours, with the midfield general having first joined the club from Exeter City in January 2015.

While Grimes has long been an integral figure at the Swans, he showed great resolve to come through a challenging start to life in SA1.

He had to bide his time for regular first-team action and spent a handful of spells out on loan with the likes of Leeds, Blackburn and Northampton.

But he resurrected his Swans career under Graham Potter during the 2018-19 campaign. He was subsequently handed the captain’s armband by Steve Cooper in the summer of 2019 and has retained it ever since, leading Swansea on nearly 200 occasions.

He has been a near ever-present during the last five seasons and has been among the Championship’s top midfield performers throughout that time.

Grimes has enjoyed many memorable moments in a Swans shirt, including scoring a stunning goal against Barnsley in the 2021 play-offs which helped send the club to Wembley.

He has made 254 Swansea appearances in total, and could pass through the 300 barrier before the end of the current campaign.

[davidge]

Joel Piroe has been sold to Leeds for a fee believed to be in the region of £12m.

Swans are in negotiations to sign Keinan Davis from Villa as a replacement.

 

A second bid has been received from Southampton for Nathan Wood. £7m rising to a possible £10m. Not accepted so far.

[davidge]

Swansea City has completed the signing of goalkeeper Nathan Broome, subject to international clearance.

The 21-year-old joins on a three-year contract – which includes the option of an additional 12 months - and will wear the number 29 shirt for the Swans.

England youth international Broome had spells in the academy ranks with Manchester City and Stoke City, having a loan spell at Mickleover during his time with the latter before joining AFC Wimbledon in January 2022.

He made 13 appearances for the Dons last season before departing the Cherry Red Records Stadium earlier this summer.
 

 

 

The clubs first choice keeper, Steven Benda, who is currently injured is expected to join Fulham. He refused to discuss a new contract and is in the last year of his current deal.

[davidge]

Benda to Fulham confirmed. Fee in the region of £1m.

[davidge]

Swansea City has completed the signing of defender Kristian Pedersen from FC Cologne for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The 29-year-old bolsters the Swans defensive options and is able to operate as a left-sided centre-back, full-back or wing-back.

He has signed a two-year contract in SA1 and will wear the number three shirt.

The Denmark international becomes Swansea’s 10th signing of the summer transfer window, and comes with no shortage of experience.

Pedersen started his career in his homeland with Benlose FK and Ringsted IF, before making his senior breakthrough with HB Koge as he was handed his debut in July 2014.

He would make more than 50 appearances for the club before getting the opportunity to move to Germany with Union Berlin.

Pedersen spent two seasons with the second-tier outfit before signing for Championship Birmingham City.

Over four seasons he made 161 appearances for the Blues, scoring nine goals, and establishing himself as a proven Championship performer.

A switch to Cologne followed in July 2022, where he made 14 appearances in the Bundesliga and the European Conference League.

[davidge]

It was a busy Deadline Day for the Swans with 4 signings altogether, taking the total of new players to 13 during this Window, with 9 players leaving the club.

It’s a very big turnover of players so only time will tell how it will work out. It’s clear that the new Director of Football and new Chairman have backed the Manager and I think he’s got more or less what he wanted in terms of the squad.

The 3 other signings yesterday:

Swansea City has completed the signing of Josh Tymon from Stoke City for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The 24-year-old has signed a three-year contract, with the option for an additional 12 months, and will wear the number 14 shirt for the Swans.

The Hull-born defender bolsters head coach Michael Duff’s defensive options, and provides a left-footed option for the Swans boss.

Tymon came through the academy ranks with Hull, having joined them in 2011, and went on to make his senior debut for the Tigers in an FA Cup tie against Bury in January 2016

 

Swansea City has completed the signing of defender Bashir Humphreys on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.

The 20-year-old joins from parent club Chelsea and will wear the number 33 shirt for the Swans.

The versatile ball-playing centre-half – who is comfortable using either foot – provides additional options to head coach Michael Duff on the left side of his defence.

Humphreys moves to the Swansea.com Stadium on the back of a pre-season where he has been heavily utilised by new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, featuring in five friendlies in the United States for the Blues

 

Swansea City has completed the signing of striker Jamal Lowe on loan from Bournemouth until January 2024, subject to international clearance.

The 29-year-old returns for a second stint with the Swans, having scored 14 goals in 58 appearances during a first spell that saw him help the club reach the 2021 play-off final.

He will wear the number 10 shirt for Michael Duff’s side

 

Overall this window:

 

IN

Jerry Yates £2.4m (Blackpool)

Josh Tymon £1.9m (Stoke City)

Mykola Kuharevich £1.7m (Troyes)

Nathan Tjoe-A-On £300k (Excelsior)

Kristian Pedersen Free (FC Koln)

Nathan Broome Free (AFC Wimbledon)

Josh Key Free (Exeter)

Charlie Patino Loan (Arsenal)

Bashir Humphreys Loan (Chelsea)

Jamal Lowe Loan (Bournemouth)

Harrison Ashby Loan (Newcastle United)

Carl Rushworth Loan (Brighton)

Kristian Fletcher Loan TBC (DC United)

 

OUT

Joel Piroe £12m (Leeds United)

Michael Obafemi £3.4m (Burnley)

Morgan Whittaker £1m (Plymouth)

Steven Benda £1m (Fulham)

Ryan Manning Free (Southampton)

Joel Latibeaudiere Free (Coventry City)

Olivier Ntcham Unknown (Samsunspor)

Kyle Joseph Undisclosed (Blackpool)

Brandon Cooper Loan (Leyton Orient)