Swansea City transfers: Five forwards to sign in winter window
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | December 26, 2015
Managerless Swansea City are in the thick of a relegation battle, and seeking extra firepower in the winter window to ensure Premier League survival, according to caretaker coach Alan Curtis.
Coral rate the Liberty Stadium side as 5/2 chances to go down and, prior to Boxing Day’s games, only Aston Villa and Stoke City had scored fewer goals than the Swans.
“We’re searching for a striker,” said Curtis. “Everybody is looking for players who can improve the squad and improve the team.
“When a striker was mentioned, there are areas that we need improving or else we wouldn’t be where we are. There will be some movement and you could probably throw a blanket and say that we need strengthening everywhere.”
Bearing that in mind, our football experts have put their heads together and come up with five forward options for Swansea to consider signing.
Charlie Austin
Only Diego Costa, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero scored more Premier League goals than QPR frontman Austin last season. His 18 top-flight strikes weren’t enough to save the Hoops from another relegation, however.
What the Swans have been lacking since Michu fell out of favour and left is an all-round centre forward, preferring the physical attributes of Wilfried Bony and Bafetimbi Gomis. Austin has still managed to net nine in 16 during an injury-hit campaign in the Championship, but could easily step back up to Premier League level.
It would be naive of anyone at the Liberty Stadium to think they would get a clear run at 26-year-old Austin, however, with fellow relegation strugglers Aston Villa and Newcastle United touted as potential winter window destinations.
Suk Hyun-Jun
British football has had plenty of South Korean cult heroes, from Manchester United trailblazer Park Ji-Sung to Shunsuke Nakamura up at Celtic.
Suk has starred for little-known Portuguese top-flight team Vitoria de Setubal this season with 10 in 18 across all competitions. Swansea have looked at this league before, bringing Eder in from Braga this past summer, and could do far worse than go to the well again.
At 6ft 3in, 24-year-old Ajax academy graduate Suk should have the physicality, presence and strength to cope with the rigours of Premier League football. Compatriot Ki Sung-Yueng could also help him settle in.
Lorenzo Melgarejo
If a South American coach like Marcelo Bielsa (4/1) or Gus Poyet (5/1) is appointed next Swans manager, then they may be able to attract talents from the continent to follow in the footsteps of Jefferson Montero and join him in south Wales.
Converted from a left wing back into a striker, Paraguay’s Melgarejo plays for Russian outfit Kuban Krasnodar, has averaged a goal every other game in league action, and turned out against Swansea during the 2013 Europa League group stage.
Previously linked with Liverpool, the 25-year-old could easily have the same impact on the Premier League as compatriot Roque Santa Cruz did at Blackburn Rovers. Melgarejo’s versatility would also stand him in good stead.
Tomas Necid
Czech Republic frontman Necid has been consistently mentioned in dispatches about moving to the Premier League throughout his career, which was put in jeopardy by a knee injury that sidelined him for two years (2011-13).
Following a series of loan spells away from CSKA Moscow, he is rebuilding himself at Turkish Super Lig side Bursaspor, but playing in a stronger division would further press his claims for a squad space with the Czechs at Euro 2016.
Whether 26-year-old Necid wants to gamble on moving a mere five months before this big international tournament remains to be seen but, now entering his prime, he has the potential to better hit-and-miss compatriots Tomas Rosicky and Milan Baros’ Premier League performances.
Diego Rolan
Bordeaux are languishing in Ligue 1 mid-table mediocrity, and Uruguay international Rolan is not getting enough regular football to be certain of a squad space for his country.
Competition to lead La Celeste’s attack is cut-throat with Luis Suarez soon back from a national ban, as there is prolific PSG player Edinson Cavani, plus Championship duo Abel Hernandez (Hull City) and Christian Stuani (Middlesbrough) also in contention.
Prior to the winter break in French football, 22-year-old Rolan had completed 90 minutes in just four of his 14 league appearances for Bordeaux, so may seek a move to raise his profile and play more.
Related
Check out all the latest Premier League news and tips by visiting Coral’s dedicated section.
