Phil SumblerIt is something that we, as Swans fans, have seen all often and it happens far more than we probably realise as well. It all looks good, the signing is made, manager and player make all the right noises but – for what can be a multiple number of reasons – the move falls flat and the player needs a new home.
Today’s news that the Swans are targeting a move for Liam Walsh, who was released by Bristol City this summer highlights another one of those players for whom it hasn’t worked out as he hoped.
Walsh is a graduate of the Everton academy and has international honours for England at both Under 16 and Under 18 level. He signed for Bristol City back in 2018 but in that three year period he has made just 18 appearances for the Ashton Gate side and spent last season on loan at Coventry, helping the Sky Blues back into the Championship in the process.
It all looked so different when he signed for the Robins under Lee Johnson who declared at the time “I think Liam gives us something slightly different to what we have already and adds to the qualities we already have in midfield. He loves getting on the ball and is a very good passer with both his left and right foot. He’s a brilliant player, who can come in and compete immediately. Hopefully he can improve and he improves us.”
Walsh himself talked at the time about how excited he was with the move “I think the time was right to leave Everton. I had been there since the age of five but I wasn’t getting game time and there were a lot of players ahead of me.
“As soon as there was interest from Bristol City though, I never took my eyes off them. I watched every game, I have seen them flying in the Sky Bet Championship and we have a great young manager in Lee Johnson. We’re looking to achieve a lot and I can’t see why we can’t do that with the players that we have right now.
“This move will help my career a lot and I can’t wait to keep playing.”
The loan move to Coventry was thought to me a stepping stone to further that career with Mark Robins – then Sky Blues boss saying on completing the signing “We’re pleased to add Liam to our squad. He is a very talented footballer, who loves getting on the ball and is comfortable with both feet.
“He adds another option to our midfield and depth in an important position, and we look forward to working with him.”
However, there were just three appearances for Bristol City this season amid suggestions that a return from injury was not handled well and the writing was on the wall for an exit which was confirmed this week with the Swans almost certain to make a move to try and see if he can be attracted to South Wales.
