Chin Up Jack Army!
New TSW columnist Rayyan Dabbous on transfer rumours, and why it's important to keep a sense of perspective throughout the transfer window
As Swans players continue to be linked with tempting destinations round-the-clock, the Jack Army have been struggling to cope with any rumour flying through SA1 this summer. Rumour has it that Liverpool are trying to trigger Wilfried Bony’s supposedly-active buyout clause, Pochettino is looking to bring Neath product Ben Davies to White Hart Lane and finally, Michu is set to undergo a medical in Naples in a bid to sign a questionable loan deal for the Italian side that edged the Swans out in an epic two-legged affair in the Europa League Round of 32.
Such rumours sound quite disheartening to any Swans fan as they inevitably involve their most precious assets, whether they’re about prolific goal-scorers Bony and Michu, a duo once-believed to become Swansea’s most lethal striking force, or about Wales international Ben Davies, a local figure much-loved amongst supporters, who regard him as the most talented youngster to have come through the ranks in some time.
Such rumours sound quite disheartening to any Swans fan as they inevitably involve their most precious assets, whether they’re about prolific goal-scorers Bony and Michu, a duo once-believed to become Swansea’s most lethal striking force, or about Wales international Ben Davies, a local figure much-loved amongst supporters, who regard him as the most talented youngster to have come through the ranks in some time.
Meanwhile, the club has also taken part in the transfer window mix-up: first by acquiring Arsenal’s FA Cup hero Lukasz Fabianski and then by winning the chase for Frenchman Bafetimbi Gomis on a Bosman transfer, who in fact is the current holder of the fastest hattrick in the Champions League. No transfer fees have been required to land Swansea’s latest acquisitions, which leaves gaffer Garry Monk contemplating even more possibilities that might suit his plans.
At present, the Jack Army are troubled by the likelihood that they will have to part ways with their favourite stars this summer. Should Bony and Michu leave, the team will be left with limited attacking options as Gomis’ only replacement will become Rory Donnelly who, while he did impress during last year’s pre-season in The Netherlands, has yet to be introduced fully into the first-team picture. In addition, if it is indeed true that Bony has a buyout clause valued at 19 million pounds, his departure will certainly leave Swans fans in bitter lament: they're on the whole justifiably convinced that the Ivorian is worth 25 million pounds, at the very least.
It all seems quite like the typical transfer-window bust-up: an ever-ending episode of ins-and-outs, usually pushing fans into an unknown path full of bewilderment. Will their departure affect our performance? Could our new signings rise up to the standards we would want them to? Indeed, the transfer window is a hectic chapter in the football calendar and its outcome is bound to affect the team’s season - though for the Jack Army, as with every team, worrying about things you cannot control does you no good at all. My advice would be to keep your chin up because rumours are merely second-hand versions of stories which might not be true anyway.
At present, the Jack Army are troubled by the likelihood that they will have to part ways with their favourite stars this summer. Should Bony and Michu leave, the team will be left with limited attacking options as Gomis’ only replacement will become Rory Donnelly who, while he did impress during last year’s pre-season in The Netherlands, has yet to be introduced fully into the first-team picture. In addition, if it is indeed true that Bony has a buyout clause valued at 19 million pounds, his departure will certainly leave Swans fans in bitter lament: they're on the whole justifiably convinced that the Ivorian is worth 25 million pounds, at the very least.
It all seems quite like the typical transfer-window bust-up: an ever-ending episode of ins-and-outs, usually pushing fans into an unknown path full of bewilderment. Will their departure affect our performance? Could our new signings rise up to the standards we would want them to? Indeed, the transfer window is a hectic chapter in the football calendar and its outcome is bound to affect the team’s season - though for the Jack Army, as with every team, worrying about things you cannot control does you no good at all. My advice would be to keep your chin up because rumours are merely second-hand versions of stories which might not be true anyway.
"In Huw We Trust" - that’s the slogan which usually surfaces on social media every time a transfer rumour is heard – and truthfully, it’s the right one. Transfer rumours are addressed to the fans, the real business occurs behind closed doors. And as far as the fans are concerned, the board knows pretty well how to deal with interested suitors – as giving them the cold shoulder is always an option. Plus, the board’s latest businesses should be regarded as a coup: Fabianski and Gomis on a free? That’s an absolute bargain!
Finally, the fans should remain alert to the players WE are linked with. Even if a deal does not materialize, the players we have been linked with form a certain pattern. For instance, the initial rumours about Payet, Montero, or Moses, imply that we are looking to sign a fast winger with great crossing abilities – most probably to accommodate the fearless-in-the-air strikers we own. Plus, one ought to remember what Huw said a few weeks ago:
Finally, the fans should remain alert to the players WE are linked with. Even if a deal does not materialize, the players we have been linked with form a certain pattern. For instance, the initial rumours about Payet, Montero, or Moses, imply that we are looking to sign a fast winger with great crossing abilities – most probably to accommodate the fearless-in-the-air strikers we own. Plus, one ought to remember what Huw said a few weeks ago:
“We’ll always be looking in the market for players at the right price, whether it’s a 2m Michu or a 12m Wilfried Bony.”
So here’s a piece of advice for the Jack Army; have faith in the board, as you have for so many years now, and always remember that no player is bigger than the club. Whoever decides to go will be systematically replaced, and we’ll move on. We always have and we always will.