Swansea City are gearing up for what promises to be a post-season rebuild, with Russell Martin looking to further shape his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Martin hasn't yet had the luxury of a full summer to implement his methods at the Swansea.com Stadium, and will certainly be grateful for the chance of a full pre-season with his squad. Recruitment will be a key part of the summer blueprint, with several players set to head through the exit door over the coming weeks.
There will also, one hopes, be several new arrivals ahead of the new term. Here's a quick rundown on who the Swans have been tipped to go for over the coming weeks.
READ MORE: Russell Martin confirms Swansea City duo will leave this summer
Ethan Ampadu
A name who will need no introduction for many Swans fans given his exploits for Wales. The versatile midfielder ticks a lot of boxes, and has seen his stock rise even further on loan at struggling Venezia, who currently sit at the bottom of Serie A. But while his team has struggled, Ampadu has earned rave reviews out in Italy, and there will likely be no shortage of interest in his signature this summer. Reports have suggested that Swansea could well be keen to take him on loan, although bringing a player of his quality to the Championship will likely be a tough sell. Besides, with all the goings-on behind the scenes at parent club Chelsea, there's still a chance he could yet find himself a part of Thomas Tuchel's first-team plans next term.
Marko Marosi
A link that first seemed to emerge on the In the Stiffs podcast, who seemed to claim that a move for the Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper was effectively a done deal. Swansea certainly are looking for a new goalkeeper, with Steven Benda seemingly likely to follow Ben Hamer out the door this summer. However, sources in SA1 and in Shropshire have poured cold water on the links. Reports across the border have added that the Slovakian is fully focused on succeeding at his current club.
Harry Darling
A name who has been on the radar for a little while now. Darling worked under Martin when the Swans boss was in the MK Dons hotseat, and the pair are believed to enjoy a good relationship. A move was heavily tipped in January but never materialised. There's every chance it could well be revisited when the transfer window re-opens. However, promotion to the Championship may well strengthen MK's ability to keep hold of the ball-playing centre-back. MK take on Wycombe Wanderers in the play-off semi-finals at the end of the week.
Matthew Sorinola
The full-back is another to have worked with Martin at MK. Indeed, he made 43 appearances for the current Swans boss during the 2020/21 season. He has since moved to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, but reports have started to suggested that a reunion in south Wales could well be in the works. Sorinola has played 16 times this season, scoring once. Competition for recently signed Nathanael Ogbeta is one of Martin's latest transfer priorities, particularly amid the departure of Jake Bidwell, and this is a move that, on paper at least, could well make a lot of sense.
Cyrus Christie
Has been one of Swansea's brightest performers this season, having made 24 appearances and scoring three goals since his January loan move from Fulham. The Cottagers do have the option of a one-year extension, but there appears to be little chance of him staying at west London, particularly with Marco Silva's side regaining their place in the Premier League. There would clearly be some work to do in terms of agreeing terms, but the noises coming out of the club at the moment suggest there is an enthusiasm among all parties to get a deal done. Watch this space.
Hannes Wolf
Another loanee who Martin would like to keep, and one who likewise appears open to the idea of staying beyond the end of the season. The Austrian is understood to be enjoying life in SA1 and a stay would certainly appeal, although once again the finances could complicate matters. The 23-year-old will have just 12 months left on his deal at parent club Borussia Mönchengladbach when he returns to the German club next month, meaning they will have a decision to make. Do they hand Wolf fresh terms and let him leave on loan or cash in on him now? That decision will hold the key to what happens next.
