Frenchman commits, saying: "It's because Swansea wanted me the most"
It's done! Swansea have completed the signature of free agent Bafetimbi Gomis, who has twelve French caps to his name and scored twenty-two goals for Lyon last season. Not bad for free! Well, not quite for free - rumours are rife as to how much he's to be paid. Personally I'd be amazed if we'd have gone much beyond £40kpw, but given the talk is we had an £8million bid accepted last summer we've essentially saved ourselves that, and it seems that a large signing on fee plus performance related bonuses are also part of the package.
Some typically sensationalist national newspapers are claiming this is a preemptive move ahead of Wilfried Bony moving on, but I'd be amazed if that's the plan the club have in place for this summer - especially considering it seems we're now keen to move Michu on. Bony, Gomis and Michu are all on big wages, and it makes sense that in this case three may well be a financial crowd.
Gomis' comments on the official website seem to indicate he's been told he's going to play alongside Bony next season, which furthers both the theories that Michu may not be at the club next season, and that we're set to play two up front. It's a radical change but it's a challenge the player commonly known as "Bafi" is looking forward to:
“I’ve been really impressed speaking with the manager and the chairman over the last few days. They showed they really wanted me - and that’s one of the main reasons I chose Swansea ahead of the other interested clubs.
“They’ve been trying for over a year to sign me. It didn’t quite happen back then, but they kept trying and I’m absolutely delighted to be here now. Although I’ve been aware of Swansea for a number of seasons, I’ve been following them a lot closer since the interest first materialised last year. It’s a proud club with strong philosophies. It is growing all the time and I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to be part of it. I watched a number of games last season and I think the style will suit me. It’s a collective, passing approach which I like.
“I think the way the team play creates lots of chances for the striker and hopefully I can score plenty of goals. I do not see Wilfried Bony as competition, more of an association, because I know we can also play perfectly together. We can benefit each other and that will be strong for the team.
“I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League, especially as it is the first time I have played my football outside France. I don’t think I will have a problem settling in. I’ve already been made to feel very welcome by everyone here over the last few days. They have been very kind to me. Now I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates and to help the team. I’ve heard that there is a good atmosphere in the group and in the stadium with the fans on match days.
“I can’t wait to play my first home game here to feel that atmosphere for myself.’’
http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/gomis-signs-quotes-1696982.aspx#8gwP0jIOtmuh4FeY.99
Welcome Bafi! We hope your time here is happy and goal-laden. I thought an interesting exercise would be to compare Wilf & Bafi statistically, so stay tuned for that later today. Until then!