It’s all change at the Liberty again; Potter has departed for Brighton and up steps Steve Cooper as the man to replace him as the Swans prepare for a second season in the Championship.
With the fixtures for the new season recently released, excitement is building ahead of the new campaign but there’s plenty of work for Cooper and the Swans board to do if promotion to the Premier League is to be secured next term.
Cooper inherits a side short on numbers and short on quality, but what are the key areas Swansea need to strengthen?
Goalkeeper
Every promotion-winning side needs a reliable keeper and if the Swans are to justify their place as one of the favourites to win promotion with sites like Bet and Skill, then Cooper really needs to address the issue between the sticks.
Last season Potter chopped and changed between Kristoffer Nordfeldt and Erwin Mulder but neither of them truly convinced so a new face may be needed to come in and challenge.
There has been some rumours about keepers, including Southampton’s Alex McCarthy, but nothing substantial has emerged so far.
Perhaps with 20 year old German keeper Steven Benda having recently signed a contract extension at the club, he may also be an option should Cooper look to utilise the younger Swans at his disposal.
Defence
Other than scoring goals, one of the Swan’s biggest problems last season was the defence and this area is crying out to be strengthened this summer. Martin Olsson has departed, which means Declan John is the only recognized left-back.
Spurs loanee Cameron Carter-Vickers has also returned to his parent club which means Swansea are looking extremely light at centre-back.
If Cooper’s side are to have realistic ambitions of getting back to the Prem then two centre halves must be bought in to work alongside the promising Joe Rodon, unless the raw but talented Cian Harries can make the step up.
Midfield
With big question marks surrounding the future of Tom Carroll, and with Leroy Fer out the exit door, midfield, particularly central midfield, is looking extremely bare at the moment.
Ball playing and ball winning midfielders are surely an integral to the philosophy Cooper wants to impart on the Swans, so it’s vital that this area is addressed.
Given his faith in youth, Cooper could turn to the academy as he looks to fill this hole but realistically, quality midfield imports are required if the Swans are to seriously challenge next season.
Attack
With Daniel James having left to join United, Swansea are no doubt short in the wide areas so at least one new winger needs to be bought to the club this summer.
Barrie McKay hardly set the world alight last season and Joel Asoro is still developing, so it’s essential that this area is addressed.
Up top, Cooper will be hoping that Oli McBurnie will resist any offers and stay at the club amid rumours that several Premier League clubs are vying for the hitman’s signature.
Whether McBurnie leaves or not the Swans still need to bring at least one new striker through the doors at the Liberty before the transfer window shuts.