Phil Sumbler
Last night’s confirmed capture of Luke Cundle on loan from Wolves signalled the first of what we expect to be several pieces of business between now and the closure of the window on Thursday.
Cundle was confirmed as signing on a season long loan and is expected to be one of two or three incoming deals the Swans are expecting to complete this week.
Armstrong Oko-Flex is expected to be the next of those deals when he signs on loan from West Ham and of course there is still the ongoing speculation that involves Cody Drameh at Leeds.
Cundle’s arrival is also rumoured to suggest an impending departure from SA1 with both Olivier Ntcham and Jamie Paterson potential exits on that front. Ntcham has failed to hold down a consistent place in the team since his arrival twelve months ago and whilst there has been some excellent performances he has flattered to deceive on many occasions and it is that inconsistency that could see him make a move somewhere before the window closes.
Paterson on the other hand made an immediate impact when he arrived in Swansea with a flurry of goals and assists in the early months but that run has dried up and he has spent some time on the sidelines and was expected to depart the Swansea.com in January although that never materialised.
Either of those departures remains a possibility and we could even be surprised and see them both leave as Russell Martin continues to shuffle his pack in the way he feels that he can get the best out of them.
And then there is, of course, Joel Piroe. He has been linked with a move since last season ended and the club have said all summer that we need to see people leave to be able to strengthen. We discussed on here yesterday a potential interest from Leeds which would certainly bring Drameh into the equation but Brighton and Watford are still watching and could be set to make a move for Piroe.
Ryan Bennett, Steven Benda and Jay Fulton are all known to be unwanted by Russell Martin as well and are potential departures from SA1 as well although at least two of those are met with wage challenges for potential suitors so whilst we may see them leave there is every chance that there may be a residue wage bill left for the Swans to pick up.
You also know that when you have signposted departures are essential that every member of the squad therefore effectively has a price on their head. Michael Obafemi, Ryan Manning and Matt Grimes are more unlikely departures but in this summer where we know wheeling and dealing is on the agenda literally anything could happen.
In the middle of all of this there is a full league programme this week which means the window cannot be allowed to be a distraction with the Swans trip to Stoke on Wednesday night – there could be much in the squad selection tomorrow evening that gives clues as to what could happen on Thursday.
Speculation this summer has been much less than in any previous window for certain and the Swans poor start to the season has taken over much of the online discussions which will be why the signing of Cundle proved to be a welcome distraction from the post mortem of Saturday’s defeat at Middlesbrough.
The one thing the final week of each transfer window generally brings is a surprise or two so don’t rule out completely the unexpected or the arrival of someone with few – if any – links to the club at this stage.
An interesting few days lies ahead.
