Swansea City were determined to hit the ground running in the transfer window ahead of Russell Martin's second campaign at the club.
After a tough summer last time around, things have been far more settled this season, and the club's transfer work reflects as much.
Youngsters Wasiri Williams, Ben Blythe, Remy Mitchell and Archie Matthews all joined the youth set-up, although it was the early business for the senior team that really caught the eye.
READ MORE: Swansea City's 'beast' as Russell Martin makes loan admission after Matty Sorinola arrival
The Swans recruited Nathan Wood in early June before adding Harry Darling and Matty Sorinola to their ranks. But the most eye-catching piece of business saw Joe Allen return to his boyhood club after being released by Stoke City in early July.
Here's a closer look at each of the signings and what has been said about them...
Nathan Wood
Age: 20; Signed from: Middlesbrough; Position: Centre-back; Shirt number: 23; Contract: 2024 (plus one-year option)
Swansea were determined to bolster their defensive options this summer, and Wood's arrival kick-started what was some vital transfer work conducted by the club.
The 20-year-old was admired by Russell Martin during the manager's time at MK Dons, and he finally landed his man this summer.
"For me, I've come here to play football," said Wood. "I want to improve while I'm here and make sure I get better. I look around at the club's facilities, the players at the club, the coaches, the fans, the stadium... I think this is a Premier League club and that's where everyone wants to see Swansea. It felt like a no-brainer for me.
"I've spoken to Russell a couple of times over the years when he was at MK Dons and we've always kept in touch and had a decent relationship. As soon as I knew it was an option to come here I didn't want to go anywhere else."
Wood typically operates on the right side of defence, either in a back four or a back three.
Harry Darling
Age: 22; Signed from: MK Dons; Position: Centre-back; Shirt number: 6; Contract: 2025
Just eight days after the arrival of Wood, Swansea added another defender in the shape of Harry Darling.
Russell Martin is an enormous admirer of the centre-back following their time together at MK Dons and identified him as a prime target ahead of the transfer window.
And the head coach got his man as the Swans forked out £1.4m to bring the Englishman to south Wales. His composure in possession combined with his physical strength, aerial ability and eye for goal were all attributes that made Martin so desperate to bring Darling to Swansea.
Speaking about his move to SA1, Darling said: "I personally think it’s the best way to play and that’s why I’m here. Russell was a massive part of it. I was with him at my last club and we’ve stayed in contact.
“I love working with him and it’s such a big club. I’ve heard really good things about it so those were the two reasons I want to come here.
“Although I’m a ball playing centre-back, my first job is to keep clean sheets, defend well and do that for the team. If I can do that bit first, then goals are just added extras.”
Darling scored a remarkable total of 10 goals in all competitions for MK Dons last term and was a pivotal figure as Liam Manning's men reached the League One play-offs.
Matty Sorinola
Age: 21; Signed from: Union SG; Position: Wing-back; Shirt number: 29; Contract: Season-long loan
Following the departures of loan duo Hannes Wolf and Cyrus Christie, head coach Martin was eager to add a wing-back to his ranks.
And having identified Sorinola as a target, a loan move from Belgian club Union SG was agreed for the youngster. The 21-year-old is blessed with real pace and athleticism while it is hoped he can add quality in the final third too.
His versatility is also a major plus for the coaching staff, with Sorinola capable of playing on either flank. Once again, the lure of working under Martin was too difficult to ignore.
“It’s great to be here. I knew there was interest in January and it didn’t quite happen, so it feels good to be here,” said Sorinola after joining the club.
“I obviously know Harry [Darling] and Fish [Andrew Fisher], I know the staff really well so those familiar faces will make it easier to settle in.
“I know the style of play, I know what Russell wants as a manager, and I know what he is like as a person, which was a big thing for me. I made my debut playing alongside him, I think he was coming towards the end of his time as a player if I can say that! But I definitely was keen to work with him again.”
Joe Allen
Age: 32; Signed from: Stoke City (free agent); Position: Central midfield; Shirt number: 7; Contract: 2024
Joe Allen is a Jack once more. Say it loud, say it proud.
A decade on from his big money switch to Liverpool, the midfield ace has returned to the club where he started his career in a move that was lined up for some time.
Russell Martin is a huge fan of the 32-year-old and was intent on clinching a deal for the Welshman once his contract at Stoke City expired. As for Allen, he is simply delighted to be back at the club where he feels he belongs.
“It feels like I’m coming back home," he said. "I think any way I look at it, all the signs are there that it’s going to be a great match.
“With my contract running out people were aware that there might be a chance to speak to me this summer and see if I was interested.
“As soon as they (Swansea) showed an interest and came to the table, it was certainly one of the ones that went right to the top and I was keen as mustard to pursue it.
“I’ve been hugely impressed by Russell and he’s been a huge part of the reason why I’ve wanted to come back."
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