Swansea's only January deadline day signing is Dutch midfielder Leroy Fer on loan from QPR.

With the Welsh side low on midfield numbers following Jonjo Shelvey’s big money move to Newcastle, this will surely be a welcome addition for the fans.

They will have to be wary though, as Fer’s spells at his two other Premier League clubs have led to both sides being relegated, Norwich in 2014 and QPR in 2015.

Fer is the club’s second winter transfer window addition, following Alberto Paloschi’s reported £8 million move from Chievo earlier in the window.

The Dutchman has made 16 appearances for QPR this season in the Championship, scoring two goals in that time.

Swans light in midfield

It has been common knowledge that Swansea have been looking for a midfielder, with Jack Cork, Leon Britton, Ki Sung-Yeung and Matt Grimes being the only senior central midfielders in the squad.

Leroy Fer scored - Newcastle in the Premier League last season | Photo: AFP/Ben Stanstall
Leroy Fer scored - Newcastle in the Premier League last season | Photo: AFP/Ben Stanstall

​Fer is unavailable for tomorrow’s game against West Brom as he was signed after the midday cut-off but there is a good chance he will be in the squad to face Crystal Palace.

Especially with Ki’s poor form, the signing makes sense as the Swans need to add creativity and goals to their midfield.

Change to the system?

With another midfielder joining the club, it remains unclear whether new manager Francesco Guidolin will set his side out with a three-man or two-man midfield for the rest of the season.

Former Dutch contingent

Swansea have had mixed results with Dutch players in the past. Jonathan De Guzman, Michel Vorm and Ferrie Bodde have been some of the more talented players in the club’s history.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you can look at the likes of Dwight Tiendalli, Kemy Agustien and Cedric van der Gun as examples of Dutch players who failed to light up the Liberty.

Fer also scored a great goal against Swansea last season, something fans might want to check out to see how good a player he could be for the club.  

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About the author
Jack Mceachen
Sports Journalist in Staffordshire University.