Monday 25 August 2014

Ki: "I'm in contract negotiations. It'd be great to stay"

Korean confirms ongoing contract talks, and indicates he's planning to sign an extension



Over the last few weeks I'd become increasingly concerned that Ki's contract situation could come around to bite us in our derrieres. It now appears however that my stresses were somewhat premature, and that the Korean is keen to extend his current contract, which is due to expire next summer.

In fairness to Ki he has already made sounds about wanting to extend his contract, but up until now it had always been a "yeah it'd be nice but let's wait and see" type comment. Today though quotes have emerged which make it very clear Swansea is where he wants to be.

"I'm very pleased with everyone, the squad and also with every start — which I can learn something from. The way we play football is very suitable so I think I can maybe expect to extend my contract. I'm in negotiations. It would be great to stay here. 
"I had a few options to go but I decided to stay because I know these players can help me to be a better player. It's easy for me to pass it and easy for me to create chances so I'm very happy to stay here. Bony, Dyer, Routledge, Gomis, Gylfi - these players know how to play football, so it's easier for me to play with them. 
"I think we can be better in every aspect. The Burnley game was tough but we dug in until the end. Burnley are a very hard-working team and then I think they have some quality players so we shouldn't be surprised. We handled it very well and are getting better as we go through the season. 
"We didn't concede even though they had some good chances and also we had some chances to score, so I think it was equal and the first goal was very good for Nathan. It's very satisfying. It's massive for everyone. If we win the next game, it is three wins in a row so the atmosphere will be better and better." 
http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Swansea-City-s-Ki-Sung-Yueng-keen-sign-new/story-22815622-detail/story.html?#W9flpwKprqDV5rXI.99

Encouraging stuff that, and if he had offers from Aston Villa and Sunderland it's fair to assume he had others too. That he's keen to stay is a testament to Garry Monk - if Ki (a current international wanted by at least two other Premier League clubs) thinks Monk has what it takes to take the club forward that's a very positive sign indeed.

Let's hope his contract is sorted sooner rather than later, and that he's around for a while to come yet.