Swansea City, after reaching their highest ever points tally and a record 8th placed finish in the Premier League last term, are now on the lookout for a new boss after the sacking of Garry Monk. The 36-year old coach was touted as a future England manager one day, but now finds himself out of work and linked with a move to Fulham. Yes, Fulham.
So, what’s gone on? A miserable run of just one win in 11 games have seen the Welsh side slip down the table at an alarming rate, hanging tentatively above the drop zone. Despite Monk’s Manager of the Month award winning form at the start of the campaign, the side look completely bereft of both ideas and energy in equal measure.
The flying wingers, Jefferson Montero and Andre Ayew, flanking the fearsome forward, Bafetimbi Gomis, were fantastic during the early stages of the campaign, though currently the tactic looks to have fallen flat on its face.
Despite the arrival of Andre Ayew in the summer, hailed as fine transfer coup, the lack of investment during the last transfer window really has come back to haunt those at the Liberty Stadium. Portuguese striker Eder was the costliest of arrivals at around £5m and the team has stagnated as a result.
It’s perhaps the biggest indicator that standing still in this ridiculously wealthy Premier League, even over the course of a single summer, is playing with danger. The ever increasing amounts of money afford every team the chance to land high quality players, increasing competition.
Still, hope is not lost. The Swans have a good squad, arguably the best currently scrapping relegation (other than Chelsea..), and could simply need refreshing. The January window should give them the chance to do so, with a new man at the helm.
With that in mind, here are THREE in and THREE out at the Liberty Stadium this January…
IN: TOMER HEMED
The aforementioned Gomis was excellent at the start of the season as everything the Frenchman touched seemingly turned to gold. However, like the rest of the team, his form since then has dropped off. Stunning finish against Manchester City aside.
No surprise then to see the club linked with another striker in order to provide the goals to keep them up. Brighton marksman Tomer Hemed was reportedly the subject of a scouting mission by the club in the recent away clash with Derby County.
The 28-year old was unstoppable when first arriving on these shores, notching 5 goals in his first 7 games and fits the mould of a Swansea striker. Athletic, skilful and able to play up front on his own, the Israel international certainly fits the bill.
May not be the most glamorous of names, but a wise choice to relieve some of the pressure on Gomis as he battles to rediscover his touch.
IN: MICHAEL KEANE
Again, not the biggest of names, but a sensible addition should it come off. Burnley defender Michael Keane has been linked with a host of top tier outfits after establishing himself as one of the top defenders outside the Premier League.
The former Manchester United youngster has found his feet since leaving his reserve team role at Old Trafford, becoming an ever present in Sean Dyche’s side as the bid for an automatic return to the Promised Land.
Arguably what Swansea need are reinforcements to freshen things up, rather than major squad surgery. Perhaps the arrival of the 22-year old England Under-21 star can help shore up the defence and give Ashley Williams both a welcome break, and some increased competition.
IN: ANDROS TOWNSEND
Andros Townsend looks all but set to leave Spurs this winter in search of first-team football and perhaps a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad at Euro 2016. The 24-year old wide man would be an excellent addition to this Swansea side, who have a penchant for pacey wingers.
Though Ayew and Montero are more intricate in their footwork, the former QPR loan star would provide a different type of outlet. His directness and urgency would be an effective outball for the likes of Shelvey or Britton. Unlikely to toy with defenders like either the Ghanaian or Ecuadorian, he will stretch to the byline and provide balance on the wings.
OUT: MARVIN EMNES
The Dutch speedster is barely the first name on the team sheet right now, and while anything is possible under a new coach, it’s difficult to imagine that changing too much.
Clearly not of the required level, the former Middlesbrough ace should be afforded the chance to leave in search of first-team football. A return to the Championship in the shape of a loan move to Leeds United has been mooted, in a move that would make sense for all parties.
OUT: FRANCK TABANOU
Despite only arriving this summer, French left-back Franck Tabanou is already raging about his lack of football in Wales. The £3.5m summer signing has rarely started, or even featured, for the side since his move from Saint Etienne.
‘I don’t understand why they signed me’, blasted the 26-year old earlier this season.
So, it’s not all happy families right now. While Neil Taylor continues to be an ever present at the Liberty Stadium, it seems likely that Tabanou will soon be on the way back home.
OUT: JONJO SHELVEY
Shelvey is a wonderful player on his day, though that day does not come around as often as it used to. Granted, he’s still a young man with a while to improve, but it just seems as if the former Liverpool dynamo is constantly taking one step forward, then two steps back.
Linked with a shock move to Newcastle this winter, perhaps there could be a case made to sell the 23-year old. As the club look to balance themselves out, shipping on the enigmatic England star in favour for a more solid approach may work out better in the long term.
Selling a young, British player is never the easiest thing for a club. However, Shelvey (despite his age) is never really likely to attract top, top money. He’s a level below some of the other young Three Lions hopefuls up and down the league at the present moment.
