As the new Premier League season draws nearer, Sports Mole takes a look at what the coming months could hold for League Cup winners Swansea City.
With the new Premier League season beginning this weekend, Sports Mole casts its eye over Swansea City's summer and their prospects for the 2013-14 campaign.
In:
Jordi Amat (Espanyol, £2.5m), Jose Canas (Real Betis, Free), Jonathan de Guzman (Villarreal, Loan), Alejandro Pozuelo (Real Betis, Undisclosed), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool, £5m), Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem, £12m), Jernade Meade (Arsenal, Free)
Out:
Kemy Agustien (Brighton & Hove Albion, Free), Mark Gower (Charlton Athletic, Free), David Cornell (St Mirren, Loan), Gwion Edwards (St Johnstone, Loan), Kyle Bartley (Birmingham City, Loan), Alan Tate (Yeovil Town, Loan)
Last Season: Ninth
Manager: Michael Laudrup
Three key players:
Ashley Williams - Over the last two seasons, Swansea's attacking players have been deservedly lauded for their style of football. However, it would not have been as easy to produce if the team were not built on solid foundations. A large amount of credit for that should go to Williams, who has proved himself to be a more than capable Premier League centre-back. He may not be the most comfortable of defenders in possession of the ball, but the 28-year-old provides a physical presence and is useful in the air. He was linked to Arsenal and Liverpool earlier this summer, but the Swans have managed to keep hold of their captain.
Michu - You will do well to find a better value for money signing from last summer's transfer window than
Michu. Costing just £2m from Rayo Vallecano, the 27-year-old scored 18 goals in 35 Premier League appearances. All eyes will be on the Spaniard this time around because like promoted clubs that survive during their first year in the top flight, 'second-season syndrome' can take hold. He could well be handed a more deeper role next season, thanks largely to the presence of the centre-forward below.
Wilfried Bony - Strikers that prosper in Holland do not always enjoy similar success in the Premier League - just ask
Mateja Kezman or
Afonso Alves. His career at the Liberty Stadium may have only just begun, but Bony has shown positive signs during pre-season friendlies and Europa League qualifiers. He should also be full of confidence, having scored 37 goals in just 36 outings for Vitesse Arnhem last season. The 24-year-old will add some pace and power to the Swansea frontline.
First game: Manchester United (H), Complete fixture list
Sports Mole says: It's important that after a successful campaign you continue to make improvements. It's something that Laudrup appears to have taken on board when you look at his dealings in the transfer market. While he may have been costly, Bony could well be a smart addition. What's more, Laudrup's proven knowledge of La Liga players would suggest that Jordi Amat, Jose Canas and Alejandro Pozuel are useful acquisitions. They finished 9th last term and the Danish manager will no doubt want to be pushing for a Europa League place over the coming months. On paper at least, it appears to be a realistic ambition.
Predicted finish: Seventh
