Football Season Guide

Swansea City

In


Joel Piroe (att) - PSV Eindhoven, Liam Walsh (mid) - Bristol City, Kyle Joseph (att) - Wigan Athletic

Out


Andre Ayew (k) (att) - Al-Sadd, Declan John (sp) (def) - Bolton Wanderers, Kieron Freeman (sp) (def) - Portsmouth, Barrie McKay (mid) - Released, Marc Guehi (r) (def) - Chelsea (end of loan), Freddie Woodman (gk) (r) - Newcastle United (end of loan)

Swansea suffered a heart-breaking play-off final defeat to Brentford at the end of May, in a game which felt like it was all or nothing for the Swans despite having a superb season over the 46-game campaign. In a shock to many, Steve Cooper resigned as Swansea manager at the end of July, meaning a successful era for the Welshman and Swansea comes to an end just before the new season is due to kick off. Swansea did, however, announce the managerial signing of Russell Martin after he left MK Dons. The outlook on the new season is certainly not as optimistic as hoped, with Cooper gone along with key man Ayew, it looks like Swansea could be in for a tough 2021/22 season. There is no doubt amongst those that watched Swansea last season the quality is there, the defence is up there with the best in the Championship, although new manager Martin will need to find a new formula after the departures of key defensive pieces Guehi and on loan keeper Woodman. New signing Piroe will be expected to provide the much needed threat up top alongside Lowe now Ayew is no longer with the club. Despite having a top defence, Swansea seriously struggled for goals last term, which ultimately cost them automatic promotion. An issue which must be looked at and resolved by Russell Martin. With the only centre forward signature being Piroe from PSV, scoring goals is likely going to be an issue once again for the Swans in the upcoming season.

Target


Mid-table. Now the likes of Cooper, Ayew etc are gone, this changes Swansea's outlook on the goals for the new season. Mid-table security in Russell Martin's first season with the club cannot be seen as a negative in 2021/22.