Rob Davies
The season has only just begun but Michael Duff has another headache on his hands as he told the media that Olivier Ntcham requested not to play against Birmingham City today.
The midfielder has a year left to run on his three year contract and was heavily linked with a move to Samsunspor last week with media reports in Turkey suggesting a medical was planned for Wednesday.
Nothing further materialised on that front although one would imagine that Ntcham has played his last game for the club after this evening’s developments.
Duff admitted that the Cameroon International was in the team yesterday but had a phone call last night saying Ntcham didn’t want to play in the game. Jamie Paterson then took his place.
The Swans arguably missed his energy and creativity behind the frontmen as they eked out a draw from the opening day game against Birmingham City; Jerry Yates equalising after Siriki Dembele opened the scoring for the Blues.
Swansea boss Michael Duff on Olivier Ntcham: "Olivier was in the team yesterday morning and we got a phone call last night saying he didn't want to play. The players didn't know until 1:20 this afternoon. He didn't want to play. It's disappointing but that's football." #Swans
— Ian Mitchelmore (@IanMitchelmore) August 5, 2023
The Swans will want a reasonable fee for the midfielder who is known to be one of the highest earners at the club with figures for the prospective move to Samsunpor touted as around £1.75m.
Update – and it now appears a move to Samsunspor is on.
Olivier Ntcham looks set to join Turkish side Samsunspor from Swansea. #Swans https://t.co/18kEhjDhRH
— Ian Mitchelmore (@IanMitchelmore) August 5, 2023
I hope the Swans’ management get a quick, but proper amount for him. If the Turkish club doesn’t belly up to the bar with £3M fee, then fine him & let him sit. Unbelievable!
no play no pay we will not be held to ransom
Sit in the stands with the rest of us ,if you don’t want to play, something tells me you won’t last long in the stands so best if you go mate
I’m with gazza on this one. If you choose not to play then withdraw his pay and fine him for breach of contract.
Makes you appreciate the attitude of piroe more.
Bit of first game nerves today but alot more positivity around the pitch. New signings seemed to slot in well and great to see a real keeper between the sticks despite the silly error. I’m sure he won’t be doing that again any time soon unlike fisher
Hope the curse of Swansea goes with him and he a flop there or a bench warmer then he be sorry
What ever club he is with he would still think it was below him the lads got a lot to learn and he’s doing it the hard way .