Should Swansea City Rekindle the McBurnie Flame? A Calculated Gamble

There was much speculation around social media channels yesterday that the Swans were ready to secure the signing of Oli McBurnie who left SA1 back in 2019 after a prolific season for us in the Championship.

Some are saying the deal to bring him back is done and dusted and whilst we are not here to confirm or deny those rumours it did get us wondering whether a move for McBurnie – now 29 – would be the right one for Swansea City.

The Scotland international, currently a free agent after his stint with Las Palmas, has a complex history, but a potential return prompts a fascinating discussion about what he could offer the club now, alongside the inherent risks.

A Look Back: McBurnie’s First Spell at the Liberty

Oli McBurnie’s initial period at Swansea City saw him evolve from a promising young talent to a prolific Championship striker.  He joined the Swans in July 2015, and after various loan spells, it was during the 2018-19 Championship season that he truly exploded onto the scene. That year, McBurnie became the first Swansea player since Wilfried Bony to score 20 or more goals in a single season, netting an impressive 22 Championship goals and adding 2 in the FA Cup. In total, he bagged 26 goals in 62 first-team appearances for the club.  His blend of physicality, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing made him a firm fan favourite and a crucial attacking outlet for the Swans.

His Career Since Leaving SA1

Following his standout 2018-19 campaign, McBurnie secured a big-money move to Sheffield United in August 2019.  His time with the Blades saw him play in the Premier League, where he managed 6 goals in 36 appearances in the 2019-20 season and 1 goal in 23 appearances in 2020-21. Across his five years at Sheffield United, he made 159 appearances, scoring 29 goals. Most recently, he featured for UD Las Palmas in La Liga, making 34 appearances and scoring 3 goals in the 2024-25 season, which unfortunately saw the club relegated to the second tier.  He also contributed 2 goals in 1 Copa del Rey appearance for them. He has also been a regular in the Scottish national team, earning 17 caps.

What Can He Bring to Swansea Now?

The prospect of McBurnie returning to Swansea carries several potential merits:

• Proven Championship Pedigree: McBurnie’s most impactful performances have consistently come in the Championship. His 22-goal season for Swansea and a 13-goal haul for Sheffield United in the 2022-23 Championship season underscore his capability to be a leading scorer at this level. Given Swansea’s struggles for goals last season, only netting 51 in 46 Championship matches, a proven goalscorer is a clear priority.
• Physical Presence and Target Man Qualities: McBurnie is renowned for his robust physicality, excellent aerial ability, and skill in holding up the ball to bring teammates into play. This “target man” style could introduce a valuable new dimension to Swansea’s attack, providing a focal point for crosses and allowing quicker, more agile players to run off him. This would be particularly beneficial if manager Alan Sheehan’s tactical plans lean towards such attributes.
• Leadership and Experience: At 29 years old, McBurnie is an experienced professional who has competed at the highest levels in England and Spain.  His deep understanding of the Championship, coupled with his prior connection to Swansea, could make him a natural leader both on and off the pitch.
• Free Agent Opportunity: As a free agent, McBurnie would arrive without a transfer fee, enabling the club to allocate precious resources to other areas of the squad.  This aligns with Swansea’s recent pragmatic transfer strategy, which has seen them effectively utilize free transfers.

Potential Pitfalls and Considerations

However, Swansea City must also meticulously weigh the potential downsides:

• Injury History: McBurnie has a significant history of injuries, including foot, metatarsal, groin, and muscle issues.  A thorough medical assessment would be paramount, as consistent availability is crucial for any new signing, particularly a striker. His 2024-25 season with Las Palmas saw him make 34 league appearances, suggesting he was relatively fit, but his career overall shows a pattern of spells on the sidelines.
• Goalscoring Consistency (Post-Swansea): While his Championship record is strong, his goal returns in the Premier League and La Liga have been less prolific. The key question is whether he can consistently replicate his previous Championship form after less impactful spells in top divisions. His 3 goals in 34 La Liga appearances are a stark contrast to his Championship numbers.
• Wage Demands: Although there’s no transfer fee, McBurnie’s wage expectations, given his Premier League experience, might be substantial. Swansea’s financial prudence will need to be carefully balanced to ensure any potential deal is sustainable within their budget.
• Player Fit and Manager’s Vision: Alan Sheehan’s evolving tactical approach will be a crucial factor. While McBurnie offers a distinct profile, he needs to seamlessly integrate into the manager’s overall vision for the team. With the club having already brought in other attacking options this summer, understanding how McBurnie would complement them is essential.
• Fan Reception: While many will undoubtedly welcome a returning hero, some segments of the fanbase may still hold reservations due to his departure and the subsequent trajectory of his career.

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Conclusion: A Calculated Gamble Worth Considering

The decision on Oli McBurnie is not a straightforward one. On the one hand, he offers a proven goalscoring record at Championship level, a much-needed physical presence, and valuable experience, all available as a free agent. These are significant upsides for a Swansea side looking to strengthen its attacking prowess.

However, the club cannot afford to ignore his injury history, the dip in his goal output at higher levels, and the potential impact of his wage demands on the overall budget. A thorough medical examination and a clear understanding of his motivation for returning to the Championship will be paramount.

In conclusion, Swansea City should absolutely go for Oli McBurnie, but it must be a calculated gamble. The potential rewards of a fit and firing McBurnie, especially on a free transfer, could be transformative for the Swans’ attacking fortunes. However, this must be contingent on a comprehensive medical assessment clearing him of long-term injury concerns and an agreement on wages that aligns with the club’s financial strategy. If these conditions can be met, bringing McBurnie back could be the shrewd, high-impact signing that helps propel Swansea up the Championship table.