A deadline day signing at Swansea City? It’s almost unheard of. It’s a staple of this season in South Wales, where the unexpected actually happened, and it’s not surprising given how this Premier League season has gone on either.
The Jonjo Shelvey fiasco
The first piece of transfer business came with Jonjo Shelvey’s sale to Newcastle United. The reported fee was £12 million but selling a clearly gifted player to a direct relegation rival isn’t going to come without controversy. One of Newcastle’s biggest problems was finding a way to link the defence, to the midfield, to the attack. Shelvey can be the man to fill that role. This signing could absolutely keep the Toon side up, much to Swansea’s despair. Shelvey was arguably Swansea’s most creative player, and it took 20 days for the side to find a replacement.
Leroy Fer was one of deadline day’s bigger stories, signing on loan from Queens Park Rangers. Unfortunately for Swansea, that doesn’t mean as much today as it would have in 2009. The Welsh side absolutely needed another body in midfield, and Fer no doubt fills that. However, much like Shelvey, whilst the Dutchman has the quality to win points on his own, his attitude and consistency issues have plagued him. Fans of Norwich City and QPR lambasted him on February 1st for his lack of commitment in a relegation battle with them, both of which he has lost.
In the past, Swansea’s transfer policy solely consisted on finding journeyman with attitude problems and turning them into gems, then either selling them on for an increased value or making them a long-term key player in the squad. Though that was a few years ago, Fer could turn back the tide, but only time will tell. If not, then the worst thing that could come of him is that he returns to QPR in four months’ time failing to have made an impact in South Wales.
Swansea's new number nine
The most import signing in SA1 last month was Italian striker Alberto Paloschi’s reported £8 million move from Chievo. Swansea were in dire need of a striker, and surely one that has built a reputation on scoring goals for an otherwise poor side is a good striker to have around. The most important detail about the deal though is that it means that Swansea’s starting striker isn’t called Bafetimbi Gomis. I think I can still hear them celebrating in Swansea.
One striker coming in means another striker on his way out - this time it meant Eder was to leave on loan to Lille. One had to feel for Eder, seeing him placed alongside the likes of Alvaro Vasquez, Itay Shechter and Leroy Lita in the long list of Swansea’s striker flops. Although he didn’t score during his short time at the club, he had very little opportunity and at least he looked like he could play. He had a good touch, and could hold the ball up well. It wouldn’t be incredible to think that Eder’s time in South Wales isn’t over just yet.
Experience for the youngsters
Swansea also did a few deals involving the youth side. Promising talent Ryan Hedges was sent out on loan to Stevenage. His last loan spell at Leyton Orient wasn’t successful, but the Wales under-21 international has been heavily praised by coaches in the Swansea setup.
Daniel Alfei also left the club temporarily to Mansfield Town but, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it seems unlikely we’ll see him in a Swansea shirt again, even though his last appearance was in 2011.
The club also recalled Kenji Gorre from his loan at ADO Den Haag. The Dutchman led the Swansea youth side in goals last season and could be the next talent to break into the senior side.
All in all, Swansea haven't done a particularly bad job in this transfer window. In fact, they have made some smart moves, especially if selling Shelvey was a necessary transfer. There's a good chance they have done enough to stay up this year.