Loaning a Lifeline: Premier League Young Left-Backs for Swansea City

It is reasonably widely known that the Swans are in the market this summer for a left sided defender, ideally to play a left back or left wing back role within the team.   Recent departures have left us short in that area so we asked Jack Bot to tap into his knowledge of Premier League activities and give us five targets we could look at, primarily on a loan basis.

Alex Murphy (Newcastle United) – Age 21

Hailing from Galway, Ireland, Alex Murphy has steadily risen through the ranks at Newcastle United since joining from Galway United in July 2022. A versatile defender capable of playing both centre-back and left-back, Murphy made his Premier League debut for Newcastle in November 2023, showcasing his composure and defensive awareness. He spent the latter half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, making 13 appearances and scoring 2 goals, further demonstrating his attacking potential.

Murphy’s brief career highlights his adaptability and a willingness to contribute at both ends of the pitch. He’s an intelligent player with a good understanding of the game, and a loan spell in the Championship could provide him with the consistent competitive minutes needed to refine his attacking output and strengthen his defensive prowess against seasoned professionals. His experience at Bolton, albeit in League One, will have given him a taste of senior football.

Luke Chambers (Liverpool) – Age 20

A product of Liverpool’s esteemed academy, Luke Chambers is a highly-rated left-back with an impressive attacking mindset. Chambers has featured for Liverpool’s U21 side and has been on the cusp of the first team, making occasional appearances in cup competitions. While he hasn’t yet had a senior loan spell, his development at a top-tier academy suggests a strong technical foundation and tactical understanding.

Chambers is known for his excellent crossing ability, tireless work rate, and willingness to get forward and support attacks. A loan to Swansea would offer him the perfect platform to transition from academy football to the demanding nature of the Championship. He would benefit immensely from regular exposure to senior opposition, developing his defensive dueling and decision-making under pressure.

Calum Scanlon (Liverpool) – Age 20

Another promising left-back from Liverpool’s academy, Calum Scanlon has also garnered attention for his performances at youth level. Scanlon possesses good pace and athleticism, making him a dynamic option on the left flank. He’s comfortable joining the attack and has shown glimpses of his ability to deliver dangerous balls into the box.

While perhaps slightly less exposed to senior football than Chambers, Scanlon’s potential is clear. A loan move to Swansea would provide him with the invaluable experience of competing for starting berths and adapting to the physical and tactical demands of Championship football. The consistent game time would be crucial for his development, allowing him to iron out any rawness in his defensive game while continuing to hone his attacking strengths.

Lino Sousa (Aston Villa) – Age 20

Signed by Aston Villa from Arsenal in January 2024, Lino Sousa is a highly-regarded left-back who has represented England at various youth levels. Sousa is known for his strong defensive attributes, including his tackling and positional awareness, coupled with a calm and composed demeanor on the ball.

While he hasn’t yet established himself in Villa’s first team, his move from Arsenal indicates the belief in his potential. A loan to Swansea would offer Sousa the chance to gain significant senior experience in a competitive league. Playing week in, week out against experienced Championship attackers would accelerate his development, particularly in terms of his decision-making under pressure and his ability to contribute consistently to both phases of play.

Josh Wilson-Esbrand (Manchester City) – Age 22

A product of Manchester City’s prolific academy, Josh Wilson-Esbrand is a left-back with considerable attacking flair. He has made a handful of appearances for City’s first team in cup competitions, showcasing his blistering pace and ability to drive forward from deep. He also had a loan spell at Coventry City in the latter half of the 2022-23 season, where he gained valuable Championship experience. While he hasn’t been out on loan in 2024-25, his previous Championship stint makes him a known quantity.

Wilson-Esbrand’s attacking instincts are his key strength, making him a potential left-wing-back option as well. For Swansea, a loan spell would allow him to build on his previous Championship experience and further develop his defensive maturity. The consistent game time would be crucial for him to refine his decision-making and ensure he can contribute effectively for 90 minutes in both attack and defense against tough Championship opposition.

Swansea City, with their emphasis on attractive football, could be the perfect destination for these talented young left-backs. Offering them a platform to showcase their abilities in a competitive league, while providing vital cover and competition for existing squad members, a successful loan spell could prove mutually beneficial, aiding both the players’ development and Swansea’s aspirations for the season ahead.

What are your thoughts?   Why not share your views on who the Swans could target for the left back position by visiting the forum here.