Latest news with #SwanseaCity
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Tonight's Swansea City transfer news as goalkeeper's future uncertain and fresh Luka Modric suitor emerges
Tonight's Swansea City transfer news as goalkeeper's future uncertain and fresh Luka Modric suitor emerges The latest news from the Stadium Andy Fisher is facing an uncertain future (Image: PA ) Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Tuesday, June 3. Fisher unsure of future St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari says Andy Fisher 'doesn't know what the future is' ahead of his return to Swansea City this summer. The 27-year-old joined Saints back in January on a short-term loan deal, and made 18 appearances for the club as they slid out of the Scottish top flight. Valakari hasn't ruled out the possibility of trying bring Fisher back to McDiarmid Park next term, but is expecting other clubs higher up the food chain to show an interest. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone 'Andy has gone back to see what is happening and he said for the first time in a long time he doesn't know what the future is,' said Valakari. 'I think if we were still in the Premiership then maybe we would have a chance of bringing him back but probably not for the Championship. Article continues below 'Andy will have other clubs after him, I think, because he did well for us.' Fisher currently has one year left on his current deal at Swansea, and his future remains slightly uncertain, particularly given that Lawrence Vigouroux is likely to remain first choice under Alan Sheehan next term. Milan keen on Modric Italian giants AC Milan are reportedly keen on signing Luka Modric this summer. The 39-year-old has already confirmed he's set to leave Real Madrid after the upcoming Club World Cup, bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden 13-year spell at the club. Speculation over his next move has been rumbling away ever since, with reports elsewhere suggesting a possible move to MLS to join Lionel Messi and David Beckham at Inter Miami. Saudi Arabia has also been touted as a possibility, but according to The Athletic, a move to Serie A could yet be on the cards. It's claimed Milan are 'exploring a deal' for the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, who is seemingly yet to decide on this next move as a player. An appearance for Croatia at next year's World Cup has already been cited as a target the veteran midfielder may now be working towards, while his recent investment in Swansea City has suggested he is keen on staying in the game once he does eventually hang up his boots. The possibility of pulling on a Swans shirt before he decides to retire appears slim, although it's understood he has already had an impact behind the scenes at the club. For example, sources claim he has already spoken to potential new recruits in a bid to help convince them to join Alan Sheehan's squad. Russell Martin poised to take Rangers job Former Swansea City boss Russell Martin is reportedly closing in on the job at Rangers. According to Sky Sports, Rangers' new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, CEO Patrick Stewart and the club's new US owners are set to opt for the ex-Southampton boss, who enjoyed a brief loan spell at the club as a player back in 2018. The Scottish giants have spent the last few months searching for a successor Philippe Clement, who was sacked in February, with former captain Barry Ferguson previously taking interim charge. Former boss Steven Gerrard and ex-Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti were both among the other names believed to be in the frame. However, it seems Martin is now set to make the move to Ibrox, having been out of work since leaving St Mary's in December. Swans confirm third friendly Swansea City have confirmed they will take on League Two side Cheltenham Town in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, July 23. It's the third friendly to have been confirmed by the club this summer, with the Swans also set to meet League One Stevenage out in Spain on July 19, before travelling to Exeter City on July 26. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. Kick-off for this clash against the Robins is pencilled in for 7pm BST. It's understood the Swans are still hopeful of confirming continental opposition for their traditional home friendly the week before the start of the season. Article continues below They were initially supposed to take on PSV Eindhoven, but will now have to find fresh opposition after the Dutch side claimed the Eredivisie title, meaning they will now be taking part in the Johan Cruyff Shield against Go Ahead Eagles that weekend.
BBC News
5 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Swans to face Cheltenham in pre-season
Swansea City will go to League Two side Cheltenham Town for a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, 23 July (19:00 BST).The Robins, who are managed by Welshman and former Newport County boss Michael Flynn, finished 15th in the fourth tier last Cheltenham trip is the third pre-season fixture announced by Sheehan's side will meet League One Stevenage in Spain on 19 July before a visit to another third-tier club, Exeter City, on July 26.
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Swansea City's pursuit of Euro star hits snag as transfer interest confirmed
Swansea City's pursuit of Euro star hits snag as transfer interest confirmed The club are understood to be in the market for additions in a key area Gora Diouf (left) of FC Sion is on the radar at Swansea City (Image: Getty Images ) Swansea City could well miss out on a move for FC Sion centre-back Gora Diouf due to post-Brexit rules. Sources on the continent have confirmed to WalesOnline that the Swans are one of several Championship sides keeping tabs on the 21-year-old defender, while Swiss giants FC Basel are also believed to be interested. It's understood Swansea haven't yet firmed up their interest with an offer at this stage. Indeed, none of the defender's growing list of admirers appear to have made a move yet, but the player's future remains uncertain given he's coming to the end of his current contract. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone The prospect of a move to these shores, however, has been described as 'complicated' by one source, amid concerns over the player's ability to be granted a work permit under post-Brexit rules. Under the current guidelines, all foreign players wishing to play in the UK require a work permit before any transfer can be completed, and those permits are allocated using a points system. Points are earned by players through club appearances, international appearances and the quality of the selling club based on the league they play in, as well as their league position and progress in continental competition. Article continues below Players need 15 points to qualify, and it's not known just how many Diouf has amassed at this stage. Diouf has so far played 38 games for Sion, and hasn't yet made a single appearance for Senegal. Whether those figures are enough for him to move to the UK isn't yet clear, but the fact it hasn't been ruled out at this stage suggests Swansea and others may well feel a move is still possible. Indeed, authorities can grant special exceptions to players who fall just short of the necessary threshold, although that decision is at the discretion of an official panel. Interestingly, the possibility of signing a new deal at Sion, while still considered unlikely, hasn't been categorically ruled out. Swansea are certainly likely to be in the market for a centre-back this summer, regardless of what happens with Harry Darling, who's still pondering an improved contract offer from the club, while Wrexham and Birmingham City are also believed to be keeping tabs on the situation. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. Even if Darling decides to stay, Hannes Delcroix's return to parent club Burnley, and the departure of Kyle Naughton means Swansea are still in need of options at the heart of their defence next season, with Ben Cabango currently the only other recognised centre-half in the senior squad. It's understood the offer from the Swans is among the better deals on the table, and there is still some hope that he can be persuaded to stay. However, clearly Swansea's confidence in tying the defender down is waning with each passing day, and the decision will ultimately come down to the player himself. Article continues below In terms of other options, Ricardo Santos has been mentioned by reports elsewhere. The 29-year-old is a free agent after leaving Bolton Wanderers, and the Swans have been touted as possible suitors, although suggestions of a contract offer have been played down by club sources at this stage
Wales Online
9 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
The seven Swansea City players facing uncertain futures this summer
The seven Swansea City players facing uncertain futures this summer There are question marks hanging over several Swans stars this summer Jerry Yates is one of several players whose future appears up in the air this summer (Image: 2024 Getty Images ) Swansea City's transfer window is already up and running, with three new faces already coming through the door this summer. Kilmarnock forward Bobby Wales is the latest to have been brought on board, following on from the capture of Swedish winger Zeidane Inoussa. Melker Widell, technically not a 'new' signing given the deal to bring him to the club was completed in January, is also set to meet up with his new team-mates for the first time. A fair amount of cautious excitement is now starting build within the Jack Army about what the upcoming campaign may hold, particularly after what was a strong end to the last campaign under Alan Sheehan. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone Many will feel there's still some work to be done before the first ball is kicked in August, with several areas of the squad clearly in need of strengthening. However, a few players could well be moving in the opposite direction. Harry Darling's future has obviously become a big talking point already this summer, with the centre-back yet to make a decision over his next move following the expiration of his contract. Article continues below However, he's not the only player who could be facing something of an uncertain future. Mykola Kuharevich The Ukrainian spent last season on loan at Scottish side Hibernian, where he netted seven goals in 28 games in all competitions, and appears keen to turn his stay in the green half of Edinburgh into a permanent one. With just one year left on his current contract, it seems likely the Swans will listen to offers for the 23-year-old this summer. Commenting on his future Kuharevich said recently: "I would consider this opportunity to return to Hibs again if it happens, because I am fully adapted to the team. "And, of course, there is a great excitement to feel the taste of European football together with the club and fans, from whom I have constantly experienced crazy support. "But I have a current contract with Swansea, so I am happy to spend the next season there too. "The plan now is to rest, and after returning to work and the pre-season training camp, time will tell where I end up." Jerry Yates A very similar situation to the above really. The 28-year-old spent last season out on loan at Derby County, where he scored 10 goals in 42 league outings, and his success there had understandably sparked questions over whether he might make his stay at the Rams permanent. Paul Warne was understood to be keen on exploring the possibility of a deal. But his departure, and the arrival of John Eustace, has clearly complicated the landscape. "I think Jerry has done very well - that is something we will discuss at the end of the year," Eustace said when quizzed on the forward back in April. It appears there still hasn't yet been a decision over his future, although one suspects that Swansea would be tempted to cash in should they receive the right offer. Reports earlier this month have suggested a few clubs might be circling, including Blackburn Rovers, Hull City and QPR, while there's also believed to be interest from the MLS. Andy Fisher Another player returning from a loan spell, the 27-year-old, who has one year left on his current deal, is poised to return from a short spell at Scottish side St Johnstone this summer. Fisher played 18 games for the Saints last term, having seen his hopes of first-team football with the Swans curtailed by a groin injury in pre-season, and it seems unlikely he'll be overtaking Lawrence Vigouroux for the number one jersey any time soon. As such, there are real questions marks over what may lie ahead, although the lack of real depth in goalkeeping options in light of Jon McLaughlin's departure means he may yet stick around. However, if Swansea can bringing another stopper in this summer, it would surely push him closer to the exit. Florian Bianchini The French winger only signed for the club last summer, but has largely struggled to get up to speed with the Championship. A few games in a more central role did appear to hint at an upturn in form, but the 23-year-old has still mustered up just three goals in a Swans shirt. What's more, he made just eight league starts last term, and played just 80 minutes in the 13 games overseen by Sheehan. Swansea shelled out just over £2m for him last year, and his current deal at the club is set to run until 2028, and those points alone may well see him earn another chance. But one suspects a tidy offer would be welcomed. A loan spell away is another possible option, of course. Jay Fulton The midfielder has already been tipped as a possible target for Plymouth Argyle this summer, and with one year left on his current deal, it's entirely plausible that Swansea might earmark the Scot as someone they can potentially make a bit of cash on. Fulton started just 13 games in the league last season, and is still seen as a solid squad player by those on the inside. He's also been a superb servant to the club over the years, but it's difficult to envisage a time next term where he's a considered a real first-choice option. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. At 31, and having been with the club for seven years, now might well be seen as the best time for a new chapter. Goncalo Franco One that Swans fans will absolutely not want to happen. As things stand, there's no reason to believe that Franco will be moving on from before the close of the window, and the player himself is understood to be happy with the Swans. Article continues below But after such an impressive debut season in the Championship, it was perhaps inevitable he would catch the eye of potential suitors elsewhere. Sources in Portugal have indicated to WalesOnline that a few clubs are already asking about the 24-year-old, with sides from England, Germany and, of course, the player's homeland, all believed to be keeping tabs. Swansea are understandably keen to keep him on board, but it's perfectly possible that their resolve could be tested before the summer is out.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Swansea City fans' forum: Excitement, McBurnie and the obvious signing still needed
Swansea City fans' forum: Excitement, McBurnie and the obvious signing still needed We spoke to some Swansea City supporters about their hopes for the summer and their views on recruitment so far Oli McBurnie is back on Swansea City's radar this summer (Image: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images ) Swansea City are set for a big summer in the transfer market there has already been a fair amount to digest on the recruitment front. With January signing Melker Widell set to link up with the squad for the first time, the Swans have also added Zeidane Inoussa and Bobby Wales to their ranks ahead of the new season. However, there's likely to still be a fair number of items on the recruitment team's to-do list over the next few weeks. Harry Darling's contract, a possible Oli McBurnie reunion and a squad still demonstrably thin in certain areas. Those are just some of the issues that supporters might well be pondering right now. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone We spoke to a handful of fans to get their thoughts on the key issues that have already emerged this summer. Guto Llewelyn - former WalesOnline Swans fan columnist How have you rated Swansea's business so far? Article continues below I think it's always good when you see clubs doing things early in the window. It suggests they have a plan, which is encouraging after several summers that have seemed quite disorganised and frantic at times. A lot of them are unknown quantities and that's the same as it was last summer, which is quite nice. It shows we're looking a little outside the box and in new markets, which I think you have to do because there's not much value in the English market. So looking to Sweden as we've done with Inoussa and Widell and then getting a youngster in from Scotland in Wales, it seems we're looking in different markets for value, which is what a club the size of Swansea needs to do. I think it will be pretty exciting to see Widell. He's a bit of an unknown but he's a Swedish international and the fact we signed him in January knowing we couldn't have him until the summer shows we really, really wanted him, and he's probably going to fill the boots of Lewis O'Brien. So there is perhaps a bit of pressure on him, but it seems that in all likelihood he'll be a really exciting player to have on board. What still needs to happen? My big fear from the positive end to last season was that the club would sit back and say 'oh well everything's fine, we don't need a major overhaul then'. I'm hoping the strong finish under Alan Sheehan doesn't just paper over any cracks because if you look at that squad, it sill looks remarkably thin, and there are several positions that really need strengthening. There are some positions where we've only really got one option, particularly in defence. We've realistically only got one senior centre-back. Darling's position is obviously very, very uncertain. But I think the defence is the main area to bolster even if Darling does commit his future to the club. It's still very, very thin, and I think we were quite lucky last season that we didn't have major injuries at the back. So there's still a lot of work to do, even though we've had a positive start to the window. The Darling saga Darling's been really good for us, particularly in the last year and we don't want to lose him. I think if he stays he has every right to be one of our top earners. But at the same time, there is a wage structure and Swansea can't just promise the world to any player. So if he does go, it will be disappointing but it won't be surprising. If he does leave, it comes down to just finding the best possible replacement. A McBurnie return? I'm all for it. Even though he's older than when he left and he's not managed to replicate his scoring form with the Swans anywhere else I think he'd still have a lot to offer at Championship level, and I think there's more to the modern striker now than just scoring goals. He seems to have actually played reasonably well out there in La Liga without scoring a hatful of goals. But he's been playing regularly even if he hasn't been getting his name on the scoresheet and I think that's because he does actually offer a lot. He's a very difficult player to play against. I think he's the sort of focal point you could build an attack around. Even if he's not banging in the goals, he's still contributing. Then again, I still think at Championship level he's still got goals in him. His is a position we've struggled to get right since Joel Piroe left. I think McBurnie could be a useful player if the figures work for the Swans. Steve Carroll, SOS Fanzine How have you rated Swansea's business so far? It's positive in terms of what's come before. In the past it's felt like we've been a little reactive over the last few years in terms of getting deals done. To get to deals done early is promising. We've probably done more than most in the Championship already. I think the Swedish winger Inoussa could be quite exciting. We haven't had a huge amount of flair in the team over the last few years so if he can help out with that then that would be great. Melker Widell has obviously been included in the Sweden squad, and I know they've maybe been underachieving in recent years, but to have a Swedish international on board can only be a positive. Then there's the Scottish lad with a brilliant surname! He's perhaps more one for the future, but the positive is we're looking more to the future and bringing people in that are perhaps going to have a bit of a resale value, which is something we've maybe been lacking in recent years. What still needs to happen? I think a new centre-half is urgently needed. We've only got one on the books for this season. I know Darling may yet stay, but my instinct is that he won't. So we're probably going to need about three new centre-halves if he doesn't stay. There's urgent work to be done and I'm hoping they get on with that. The Darling saga It sounds like Swansea have made a decent offer, but the longer it goes on the more unlikely it feels that he'll sign. Every club now knows what division they're going to be in next season, so there's nothing to wait for on that front. If he leaves it's a shame, but unfortunately if you let players go into the last years of their contract then you're going to have have trouble. It would be a blow. The first half of the season, him and Cabango did really well, and weren't conceding many goals. But it is what it is now. If he leaves they can't just replace him, they need a little bit of depth there as well. A McBurnie return? I'd be delighted to have Oli back. He's not quite done as well since leaving us, but to be honest, I don't think he's really a Premier League player or a La Liga player. He hasn't really hit the heights at that level, but in the Championship, if he's made the main striker, I'd be surprised if he didn't get 15 goals. We do need a little bit of experience as well I think after losing Joe Allen and Kyle Naughton, so he'd be good for that as well. Nigel Davies - A Touch Far Vetched Fanzine How have you rated Swansea's business so far? It's not really the norm for us to do business this early. So it's good that we've got up and running after the shambles of the January window we had. It feels like there's a little more confidence now that we've put our ducks in a row. I think all three signings excite me to an extent. The Bobby Wales signing looks like one that's full of potential. It's good to have someone British-based, young and with lots of potential. He's obviously very ambitious, and it feels like the sort of signing we would have made when we were coming up the leagues. But I guess the caveat, particularly with the ones from Sweden, is that they may need a season to settle in. We've seen that with Eom Jisung, Zan Vipotnik and Florian Bianchini, all of whom came in and were new to the league. I don't think we'll have the luxury of doing that again this season. What still needs to happen? We need the centre-back situation sorted. We need to get some clarity on Harry Darling and then we'll know if we need to go and get one or two centre-halves that can step in there. If we can keep Darling, and if we can do some sort of deal for O'Brien then I'd be comfortable going into the season ahead. If we lose Darling and we can't get a deal for O'Brien, it leaves us with a lot of work to be done. They're two experienced professionals. They know British football, and this level inside out. They've got a lot of experience between them. The Darling saga It's symptomatic of the way the club had been run. We were hoping Andy Coleman would learn the lessons of Jason Levien and Jake Silverstein before him, but he didn't and we've ended up in the situation again where we're not going to get a deal done before the end of the season, and now you've got a player in the prime of his career who is going to have options all over the place. Many of them will probably have more money than we'll have. It's frustrating and it's disappointing and it's a lesson that I really do hope now that we've learned the hard way. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. Then again, we've got to draw a line somewhere financially, I don't think we can keep him at all costs. I wouldn't blame him if he went, for argument's sake, go to a Wrexham or a Birmingham. With a young a family, this might be his one opportunity for a big pay day. I wouldn't blame him for that. A McBurnie return? I really, honestly, don't know. Part of me says yes. He was a really hard worker and got us goals. Linked up well with others around him. He's notorious for being a big fan of the club too. Article continues below But his last few seasons haven't been prolific for various reasons. Does he fit in with what we're trying to do? Also, if you push the boat out for him, how does that impact on the rest of the squad strength? It's a difficult one as if he's given a run of games in a Championship side, then I think there's 10-15 goals in him. But it's about what it does for the rest of our transfer plans. For me, if we're going to push the boat out for anyone, it should be for Darling and O'Brien.
