The summer is rarely a quiet time for Swansea City.
Ever since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018, the Jack Army have grown used to almost periodic upheaval both on and off the pitch. Indeed, three managers have come through the doors since, with a number of players passing back and forth over the last few transfer windows, often in the most chaotic of circumstances.
Russell Martin, preparing for his first full pre-season in charge, will clearly be hoping things remain reasonably straightforward, but the financial realities facing the club, laid out in their most recent accounts, suggest a certain amount of wheeling and dealing will be needed.
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The Swans are clearly hopeful of doing business, but may well have to cash in to grease the wheels of Martin's plans.
Korey Smith and Ben Hamer have already been confirmed as heading out the door, while there's every chance fringe players like Yan Dhanda, Ryan Bennett, Kyle Joseph and Jay Fulton will follow them.
Decisions will also need to be made on the loan contingent, including Liam Cullen, Morgan Whittaker, Jordon Garrick, Liam Walsh and Steven Benda, but there's little question on the biggest call of the summer.
Put simply, the future of striker Joel Piroe is likely to be pivotal to Swansea's plans. Out of all the players in this squad, he is by far their most valuable financial asset, which unfortunately makes him all the more ripe for an exit.. As things stand, there's been no movement on the Dutchman's future, but the club are clearly resigned to losing him at some point over the coming weeks. Leicester City are one of several clubs that have seemingly been impressed by the striker's record of 24 goals in 47 appearances this season, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see other names come into the frame.
Losing Piroe would unquestionably be a big blow. Goalscorers hardly grow on trees, and they certainly don't come cheap. Whether Swansea will be able to recoup a fee akin to the value of Oli McBurnie a couple of years ago remains to be seen, particularly given the difficult financial climate facing countless clubs on the back of the recent coronavirus pandemic.
But even so, there's clearly a level of confidence that the Swans can command a sizeable sum for the forward, who signed off a promising opening campaign in English football by clocking up a nomination for the Championship's Player of the Month award for April. Piroe's not the only one to have attracted interest. Indeed, midfielder Flynn Downes has emerged as a transfer target for Leeds United this summer.
However, the hope is that should Piroe be sold, it would be for a price that would allow Martin to keep hold of other important members of his squad.
"I think it puts in a really strong position to not have to do anything, unless, again, something comes in that's life-changing for the club and the player involved," said Martin when asked if more players might have to be sold if Piroe's valuation is met.
"The valuation, it does definitely strengthen us and would change the landscape. We haven't had one call yet. I know the season is not finished for most people. Joel, hopefully like the majority of players, loves being here."
But a hefty sum for the Dutchman wouldn't just strengthen the Swans' hand in terms of keeping other talents. It would also almost certainly kickstart their plans for incomings. A move for fan favourite Joe Allen would certainly go some way to remedying the disappointment of Piroe's exit, although the midfielder is clearly keen to assess all of his options at present.
Ethan Ampadu is another name to have been linked, and would be another top-quality signing. However, it's understood he's more likely to be eyeing up a move to the Premier League should he be loaned out. There's even a chance Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel may give the Welshman an opportunity to force his way into Chelsea's first-team plans next season.
Two new centre-backs are believed to be on the wishlist, with Martin still a huge fan of MK Don's star Harry Darling, who looks increasingly likely to attract interest following his side's failure to gain promotion.
The wide are areas are similarly ripe for strengthening. There's enthusiasm on both sides to bring Cyrus Christie back to the club following a superb loan spell. The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the month, and keeping him on board would add some welcome continuity to Martin's preparations for next term.
Hannes Wolf is another player he's keen on keeping, and the feeling is believed to be mutual, although things will likely depend on parent club Borussia Monchengladbach, where the Austrian is still contracted for another year. Marcus Harness has been mentioned as a possible option by reports on the English south coast, but the chances of a move look to have dwindled slightly given Portsmouth's decision to exercise an option to extend his deal by another 12 months.
Union SG full-back Matthew Sorinola, who played under Martin in Milton Keynes, has also been mentioned as another target, with a recruitment source indicating that the full-back has been on the radar since January.
Finally, should both Hamer and Benda depart, Martin will surely want a new keeper this summer, ideally one capable of challenging Andy Fisher, who is currently his preferred choice for the number one jersey.
