Swedish interview with Zeidane Inoussa from Fotbollskanalen from today:
"It just feels good and fun. I'm looking forward to my new chapter in life, a beaming Inoussa tells Fotbollskanalen about the move.
- The process has been quick and smooth. Both my agent and I have spoken to a few different clubs from different leagues, then we thought Swansea had the best plan for me. I got the best feeling from Swansea, so the choice fell on them.
What made Swansea stand out?
- It felt like they really wanted me. Even though I'm injured now, there was no doubt that they wanted me there and saw me as a big and important player in their team building, which was a big reason for me.
Inoussa doesn't want to mention which other clubs he has turned down, but says that there has been interest from, among others, Italy and Germany.
- It's nice that teams at that level have wanted me and that they have considered me good enough to play there. It's been nice to be able to have such options.
Just under a month ago, Real Madrid star Luka Modric became a co-owner of Swansea.
- It's funny. I'm not saying that just because he's a co-owner of Swansea, I've said it before too, but I think he's the best midfielder ever. At least of the ones I've seen, says Inoussa about Modric.
The Swede goes on to say that he spoke to Modric on the phone before the move.
- I actually did. It was really great fun. It was awesome, actually, says Inoussa happily.
What did Mordic's words mean to you?
- It meant quite a lot anyway to hear about his view of the project and why I should sign for them. It was really awesome.
Inoussa says that it was relatively recently that he spoke to Modric on the phone.
- It was really big. He mostly talked about the project, his view of the club and the team's future. Then I doubt that he's seen me play, but he said that he had heard positive things about me. It was a lot of fun.
What do you dream of achieving with Swansea?
- I want to go up to the Premier League. It would be my biggest dream to do it together with the team. If we manage to do it in my first season, it would be incredible. I absolutely want to be part of taking the club back to where it deserves to be - and that is in the Premier League.
- Everyone I have spoken to only says positive things about the club. It is a very professional club, a nice club, which, quite like Häcken, wants to move forward and has a bright future where young players get the chance. I think that is very good.
Inoussa says that he has also spoken to his friend Joel Asoro, who was at Swansea between 2018-2021, before the move.
- I asked him a little about how it's been there. He really only said positive things, so it felt even better after that conversation.
Furthermore, Inoussa is clear about his own, long-term goals with his career.
- I want to play at the highest level and represent Sweden in some championship. I want to play in the best leagues and the best matches. That's my dream.
How would you say that the Swansea move affects your chances of playing for the national team in the future?
- I think it only strengthens my chances. Jon Dahl Tomasson has been a coach in the Championship (in Blackburn 2022-2024), so he knows the level in that league and that it's not easy to play in.
Have you talked to Tomasson?
- No, I haven't actually. Nothing at all.
The move to Swansea won't happen until July, however. In total, there have been twelve goals and nine assists in 40 matches in the yellow-black Häcken shirt so far - and Inoussa hopes for more before he says goodbye.
- First and foremost, I want to win cup gold. Then I want to play as many matches as possible and do as well as possible. I just want to enjoy the last moments together. But first and foremost, I hope we win the match on May 29 (cup final against Malmö FF).
How has your time in Häcken been?
- It has been fantastic. It really is a nice club and I have felt at home since the first day I set foot in the clubhouse. It has only been a positive time. I have Häcken to thank for allowing me to take this step now.
At the moment, Inoussa is also suffering from a foot injury that has meant he has missed the first seven rounds of the Allsvenskan. He hopes it will heal soon.
- It is getting better and better every week. It's hard to say when I'll be back, but it looks bright, he says, and concludes by saying that he expects to be able to play more matches for Häcken as long as he doesn't have any setbacks."
Now that we’ve cleared that one up, it seems we’re gearing up a half decent midfield for next season. Eom has a degree of versatility, but ten is where he should play IMO. However it looks like he will have competition for the position, and that’s not a bad thing.
