Swansea City’s new sporting director Paul Watson says there is money to spend this summer and told supporters they will be bringing players in during this window to strengthen the squad.
It’s been all change in Landore over the past few weeks, with Watson getting down to work after arriving from Luton Town, and new manager Michael Duff replacing Russell Martin in the Swamsea.com Stadium dugout.
Martin’s move to Southampton was protracted to say the least but Swansea have wasted no time in getting down to business, with the first signing of the Duff era, Hearts striker Josh Ginnelly, to join on on a free transfer.
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And Watson, speaking to BBC Wales, says there will be incomings this summer, while also factoring in departures.
“Certainly in this window we will be bringing players in,” Watson said.
“There are key positions we want to recruit and we’re working hard on that right now.
“There is money to invest. How much is depending on where we see the squad transitioning to.”
As ever, Swansea are likely to have to sell players this summer to balance the books. Joel Piroe has plenty of admirers and as he is heading into the last year of his contract, the club look set to cash in on the Dutchman. Morgan Whittaker could be another on the move, while Martin is reportedly keen on bringing a couple of his former charges to St Mary’s.
Without the luxury of Premier League parachute payments, Swansea will have to wheel and deal and be shrewd with who they decide to spend money on.
“Every sporting director, every manager at every club, wants to spend more money, but we’ve got to do it in the correct way which is in line with how the club wants to move forward,” Watson added.
“There’s not a bottomless pit, we’ve got to be shrewd in the market and use our academy.
“But also, when we’ve got the opportunity to spend money and invest in a player who wants to progress, we’ve got to be able to do that as well.”
Watson added that despite their financial situation that the club are under “no pressure” to sell.
He added: “We want to keep the players in the building but, ultimately, if an offer comes that we feel is right and means we can re-invest and ultimately get better - then we’ll look at it.
“But we’re not under any pressure to sell or go out hunting for offers. We’re happy with the squad and we want to add to it.”
Duff was quizzed on the future of Piroe at his official unveiling on Saturday evening and saying it will be business as usual until he is told otherwise, adding there are two plans in place - one for if he stays and one for if he goes.
“I had some good conversations with Joel at our training camp in Spain last week and he was asking about detail in what I want from him,” added Duff.
“Until anything changes we will keep on having those conversations. If he goes, he goes, and if he doesn’t he stays – it is not personal, it’s football.
“I understand he’s the big name at the club and only has a year left on his contract. There will be plans in place in terms of the way we play if he stays, and plans for if he goes.”
