What would you do, Swansea City supporters?
Cash in on your star player, knowing that this is perhaps the only way you can free up funds for new additions? Or keep him, and therefore sacrifice any hopes you had or bringing in a couple of much-needed reinforcements?
That is the dilemma facing Russell Martin and co, with Wales Online reporting that cash-strapped Swansea may be forced to sell before they can buy during the remainder of the summer.
And while Ryan Bennett, Jay Fulton and Liam Walsh are all available for transfer, none would raise anywhere near as much as Flynn Downes. Neither, for that matter, would Joel Latibeaudiere. Burnley were linked, but have since snapped up Luke McNally from Oxford United.
Southampton, Wolves and long-time admirers Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have all enquired about Downes. And the tenacious central midfielder, valued in the region of £12 million, appears to be Swansea’s most saleable asset, especially with Leicester City apparently unlikely to firm up their interest in the free-scoring Joel Piroe.
Flynn Downes out, Joe Allen in at Swansea City?
The prospect of selling Downes while bringing former fans’ favourite Joe Allen back to the Liberty Stadium will divide supporters. Allen, a free-agent after leaving Stoke City, is nearly ten years Downes’ senior after all. Then again, a midfield of Allen and Matt Grimes should be more than good enough at Championship level with David Kasumu – who will bid farewell to MK Dons this week – providing exuberance and guile in reserve.
“Hopefully Flynn is one who is with us for a long time,” Martin said a couple of months ago. “(Him staying) gives us the best chance of getting into the league we want to be in eventually.
“But we know the financial situation. We probably have to sell one or two every year.”
An MK Dons reunion
Kasumu left a lasting impression on Martin during his time in charge at the Dons. As did Harry Darling, a prolific, ball-playing, marauding central defender who should slot in neatly alongside Ryan Manning and the excellent Ben Cabango at the back. Another of Martin’s former MK Dons favourites – the technically-gifted left-wing back Matthew Sorinola – joined on loan from Belgian runners-up Union Saint-Gilloise last week.
A new goalkeeper could also be required following Ben Hamer’s release. A right-back, too, with neither Ethan Laird or Cyrus Christie still around. Chinedu Ogbene, one of the EFL’s rising stars, would be welcomed with open arms.
In contrast, Dimitrios Pelkas is more of an unknown quantity. A versatile forward who can play on the left or through the middle, the 26-time Greek international has scored 13 goals in the last two seasons. Linked with Swansea and Queens Park Rangers, he will not break the bank with his Fenerbache contract running down.
Pelkas would help ease the creative burden on the mercurial but inconsistent Jamie Paterson and Olivier Ntcham. Further forward, a Michael Obafemi – Joel Piroe strike partnership could strike the fear of God into most Championship defences, assuming both stick around in South Wales.
A devastating front two
Piroe, a great goal-scorer and a scorer of great goals, found the net 23 times in 2021/22; A sensational debut campaign that would give even the legendary Michu a run for his money. Piroe’s party trick, locating the bottom corner with laser-like precision from the edge of the penalty area, is almost impossible to stop.
“If you want (a chance) to fall to anyone, it is him,” Martin tells Nation Cymru. “He is so clinical with both feet, and he is a great technician. But the most important thing he has is the right mentality when he gets around the goal.
“He shows composure, he is calm, and he just focuses on his technique, something that all top strikers possess.”
Obafemi is not quite as technical but he brings power and increasing precision. The former Southampton youngster silenced his doubters during a terrific end to the campaign, all-but one of his 12 goals coming after February.
Swansea have already signed Nathan Wood, Ola Wasiri Williams and Ben Blythe, though the three youngsters are likely to remain back-up options for the time being.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
