Our prediction: 14th
Likely finish: 8th–18th
Transfer window so far: 8/10
Biggest question
Can Swansea turn their possession into more goals and points?
Why we have moved Swansea significantly higher
Swansea are perhaps the team we have changed our minds about most since our initial assessment. Having taken a closer look at the squad and their summer transfer business, we believe they are considerably stronger than we first thought. They look better equipped in attack and have added several players capable of providing pace, creativity and unpredictability.
Leo Walta, Moussa Yeo, Stephen Welsh, Elijah Just and Joseph Opoku give Swansea more options and greater variety across the pitch. Ethan Galbraith has been sold to Stoke, while Ricardo Santos and Josh Thomas have also left the club.
Losing Galbraith is significant. He offered composure and control in possession and was an important part of Swansea’s midfield. However, the club have responded by using the transfer window to build a deeper and more dynamic squad rather than simply trying to replace him with a like-for-like signing.
An 8/10 rating for their transfer window reflects what we see as a clear improvement in the overall squad. There are still areas that could be strengthened, but Swansea look considerably better equipped for the new season than we initially expected.
Strengths
Swansea will continue to be a team that wants to dominate possession and dictate matches with the ball. The important difference compared with previous seasons is that they now appear to have more players capable of attacking the space behind opposing defences and creating the kind of unpredictability that can turn possession into genuine attacking threat.
AdvertisementElijah Just brings movement and creativity, while Joseph Opoku and Moussa Yeo provide pace and one-on-one ability – qualities Swansea have often lacked.
Stephen Welsh should also add leadership, experience and greater physical presence to the defence. If their attacking signings deliver, Swansea could become one of the Championship’s most entertaining teams to watch. They should still be comfortable in possession, but there is now the potential for considerably more penetration and variety in the final third.
Weaknesses
Galbraith’s departure could prove more significant than many expect. He was important to the rhythm of Swansea’s football and provided composure and security in possession. Finding another player capable of offering the same level of control will not necessarily be straightforward.
Swansea also need more goals. Attractive football and long spells of possession only take you so far – they have to become more clinical in both penalty areas if they are going to climb the table.
Physicality remains another potential concern. Against some of the Championship’s stronger and more aggressive sides, particularly away from home, Swansea could still find themselves knocked out of their preferred rhythm.
Key player
Elijah Just
Just could be the player who transforms Swansea from a team that enjoys plenty of possession into one that actually decides matches with it. If he can consistently contribute goals and assists, Swansea should take several steps forward this season.
One to watch
Joseph Opoku
An exciting signing with pace, technical ability and plenty of attacking quality. Opoku has the potential to become one of the Championship’s most interesting newcomers this season. His ability to take players on and create problems in the final third could give Swansea a dimension they have been missing.
What they still need
A reliable goalscorer could take Swansea to another level. If they can add a striker capable of reaching double figures in the league, they could quickly enter the play-off race.
Another central midfielder capable of replacing some of Galbraith’s composure and control would also strengthen the squad and provide greater balance over a demanding 46-match season.
Verdict
Swansea are a team with a lot of potential. We believe they may be underestimated heading into the new season, and they could easily challenge for a place in the top half if the new signings deliver.
There are still questions surrounding their efficiency, physicality and defensive stability, which is why we are stopping short of predicting a significantly higher finish.
Our prediction is 14th place.
At the same time, Swansea are one of the teams we believe have the greatest chance of providing a positive surprise and finishing considerably higher than our prediction.