Swansea CIty's frustrating collapse at Reading, where Russell Martin’s side blew a 4-1 lead to only manage a draw, probably sums up the mixed season fans have had to endure.
However, there have been some stand-out performers, with Joel Piroe notching up 22 goals (and counting) in all competitions in his debut season in the south west Wales. Michael Obafemi has also sprung into life since February, and now has 10 strikes to his name, despite a slow start to his Swansea career.
Flynn Downes has also impressed since his £1.5m move from Ipswich last summer, and Martin has already had to bat off rumours with Leeds United and Jesse March said to be circling. There is a lot of work to be done at Fairwood, and having reached the play-off final in 2021, the aim is now to secure a top-half finish.
READ MORE: Martin reveals what Joel Piroe's agents told him about move
While there will be scope for signings in the summer, the main task will be fending off preying hands from their most valuable assets. Here, we look at players who might need, or benefit from, a loan stint away.
Brandon Cooper
The centre-back has enjoyed several loan spells to the lower leagues already, heading out to Yeovil Town, Newport County and, most recently, Swindon Town this January. The Wales Under-21 international was enjoying a rich vein of form before he picked up a knee injury, which ended his season. Having shown his ability in League Two, 22-year-old Cooper could benefit from a loan spell in League One.
Tivonge Rushesha
The 19-year-old right-back is captain of the under-23s. He made his debut for the first team aged just 17, coming on against Cambridge in an EFL Cup tie back in 2019. Having been in and around the first team set-up for a few years now, Martin may decide it is time for Rushesha to go out and ply his trade in one of the lower leagues. With Cyrus Christie possibly joining full time in the summer, Rushesha may find his route to the starting XI blocked.
Daniel Williams
Williams, who got his first goal for his hometown club against Plymouth Argyle in a 4-1 win in August 2021, has been at Swansea since the age of eight. Having recently turned 21, the Welshman is currently out on loan at Dundalk FC in the Irish Premier Division.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Daniesta’ by Jamal Lowe, Korey Smith and Kyle Joseph (a play on Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta’s name) after influential performances in the early rounds of the EFL Cup this season, there are high hopes for Williams in SA1. But with tough competition for places in the middle of the park in Landore, another loan, perhaps to League One next season, could do him the world of good.
Liam Walsh
This summer marks a crossroads for Walsh, having arrived in Swansea in July last year. After picking up an injury early on in his stay, things failed to click for the former Bristol City man. He has been on loan at Hull City since January this year, for the fourth loan spell of his career, but has made only three appearances. At 24, it may now be time for him to stake a claim for a regular place in Martin’s matchday squad. But another loan can't be ruled out.
Ollie Cooper
Cooper is another academy graduate who has been at the club since the age of 12. In August last year, Cooper joined fellow Welsh side Newport County on loan for the season and he has impressed at Rodney Parade. He has stacked up nine assists in League Two, also contributing a goal for the side that are hoping to sneak a play-off place.
Having already had a taste of first-team action for the Swans last season, grabbing his first goal in the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest, the 22-year-old could benefit from another stint away. Six months in League One, or even a lower Championship side, would be sensible.
Cameron Congreve
Congreve has been at Swansea even longer than Cooper, joining the under-nine side back in 2013. The now 18-year-old is highly regarded at Fairwood and put pen to paper on a new deal that will see his stay in SA1 last until at least 2024. The club also have the option to extend the contract by 12 months. The attacking midfielder is unlikely to get regular first-team minutes next term due to stuff competition so would likely blossom out on loan.
Liam Cullen & Morgan Whittaker
Both players joined Lincoln City on loan in the new year, although Whittaker has enjoyed a slightly more fruitful return. Five goals in 18 starts for the former Derby County man has been a welcome boost for the Imps, with Cullen registering one solitary strike. Due to the sensational form of Piroe and, since February, Obafemi, there is little room in Martin’s squad for these two – unless Piroe is prised away. There are a lot of moving parts here, but Whittaker has certainly done himself no harm with his form up at Sincil Bank.
Azeem Abdulai
A key member of the under-23s squad, he has featured in the senior matchday squad a few times this season but is yet to make his debut. The final bit of persuasion Martin might need is proof that Abdulai has some experience from playing in the lower leagues.
