Loanees make cases for Swans future after season away

BBC News

14-05-2025

While the end of Swansea City's season prompts speculation as to which new players could arrive, there is also a batch of players who will return.Head coach Alan Sheehan could benefit from several Swans who have spent the 2024-25 season getting their games elsewhere.Swansea had a string of players out on loan last term, some of whom could yet figure in the senior side's plans going forward.The most high-profile of the batch was striker Jerry Yates, who is due to rejoin the squad for pre-season after a successful spell at Derby County.Rams boss John Eustace admitted the 28-year-old's future would be a summer conversation to be had, after 10 goals and four assists helped the Pride Park club stay in the Championship.And it remains to be seen whether Swansea would look to keep the player, who has a year remaining on the deal he signed when arriving from Blackpool in 2023.Likewise, Ukrainian forward Mykola Kuharevich also has a year to run on his deal in south Wales having spent last term at Hibernian.Despite a lengthy injury lay-off over the winter, the 23-year-old has hit five goals in 24 Scottish Premier League (SPL) appearances during his time in Scotland, with Hibs close to sealing European football next year.He has recently admitted his future is unclear but was keen to helping the club earn a third-placed SPL finish as a farewell.
Goalkeeper Andy Fisher – who fell behind Lawrence Vigouroux in the Swansea pecking order after getting injured in pre-season – has also played regular games in Scotland, featuring 17 times for St Johnstone and catching the eye in a shock win over Celtic that threatens to take their survival battle to the final weekend.Fisher, 27, also has a year remaining on his Swansea contract, as does 23-year-old stopper Nathan Broome who left for Port Vale in January. He did not make a league appearance, but was a regular back-up as Darren Moore's side won promotion from League Two.Meanwhile, midfielder Joel Cotterill caught the eye in the same division for Swindon Town, winning the club's goal of the season for a 30-yard effort against Port Vale. The 20-year-old Wales age-grade international was a key man in the Robins' turnaround in form under Ian Holloway and is being tipped to fight for first-team contention when he returns to Swansea.Fellow academy graduate Cameron Congreve, 21 (pictured above), also impressed in League Two with 40 outings for Bromley, scoring five – including one against Newcastle United in the FA Cup. He is said to have gained much from his first regular season, with his performances leading to a new deal with the Swans in March.