With Steve Cooper recently confirmed as the Swans boss for the 2019/20 campaign, all eyes now turn to who he can bring to the Liberty as we strive to improve on last season’s mid-table finish and map out a path back to the Premier League following relegation in 2017/18.
Swansea are currently best priced at 33/1 to win the Championship with high-street bookie Ladbrokes, whilst a top six finish is priced at 9/2. Punters can get 9/1 on the Swans being relegated with Betfred and should you fancy a bet I recommend using this oddsmonkey calculator to calculate any returns.
Here we look at 5 players Cooper should attempt to bring in:
1. Harry Wilson
The Welshman drew national admiration last season following a fine spell in the East Midlands under the tutelage of Frank Lampard.
Wilson chipped in with some special performances for the Rams, scoring 15 times in 40 games and producing moments of magic such as that free-kick at Old Trafford in the League Cup in a game that Derby would go on to win on penalties.
Wilson also helped guide Derby to the Championship Play-Off final, again scoring some stunning free kicks along the way as well as terrorising opposition full backs.
Swansea had the sixth worst attack in the league last campaign with only Oli Mcburnie scoring 5+ goals. The addition of Wilson, which would likely have to be on a loan-basis, would provide Cooper’s new-look side with real attacking prowess and set-piece threat.
2. Ruben Lameiras
With the departure of Daniel James to Manchester United for £18 million confirmed, the Swans could do with some creative attacking players coming through the door this summer.
The Swans have already been linked with Portuguese winger Lameiras who can play across the midfield and who last term was a rare highlight in what was a poor season in Devon as the Pilgrims were relegated to League 2.
With 12 goals and 9 assists last campaign the winger is out of contract and would be available on a free and would provide more attacking options for Cooper.
3. Harry Toffolo
Part of the League 2 team of the season, Toffolo impressed last term as Lincoln eased to the League 2 title. With Martin Olsson injured and now out of contract, Swansea will need a left sided full-back to give Declan John competition.
He offers options going forward and is sound at the back. Being 23 years old, the Englishman has a bright future ahead of him and he could develop further under Cooper to become a top player
Toffolo played 46 times for The Imps last season and he has also represented the Three Lions at u18, u19 and u20 level.
4. Matt Clarke
Part of the League 1 Team of the year, despite Pompey’s failure to gain promotion to the Championship Clarke has shined and proved himself as a commanding Centre-Back in the 2018/19 season.
At 22 years old he is also another player Cooper could turn into a top player whilst also getting good performances out of him in the Championship. The Swans find themselves short at the back, with no competition or cover for the likes of Mike van der Hoorn and Joe Rodon.
Standing at 6ft 2 the Englishman was one of the best performing defenders outside the top flight last season.
5. Lawrence Shankland
Once again, another option that could help to bolster the Swans attack is Ayr striker Lawrence Shankland, who has recently been linked with a move to the Liberty.
The 23-year-old was involved in 25 goals last season for his side and boasts an overall return of 50 goals in 61 games for the Scottish side.
There are still some questions surrounding whether he could do it in a more competitive league but regardless, Shankland’s goalscoring record should not be ignored and he may just prove to be a very astute signing for Swansea and Cooper, should the new boss wish to make a move.
Of course any transfer dealings the Swans will look to do this summer will probably be done after they have unloaded the high earners off the payroll, but who would you like to see Steve Cooper sign during the transfer window? Let us know via our Swansea City forum.