Whilst the end to the Premier
League was great and we’d hate to put a dampener on it, for the large part of
the campaign, the Swans drastically underperformed. There are a number of
players responsible and while no-one is free from blame, some players simply
performed worse than others.
We looked at the players who
should depart the Liberty this summer, a move which would suit both parties.
The first player to go should be
Borja Baston, the biggest disappointment of the season. A club record signing,
Baston started just four games, costing the club £3.75million per start. The
Spaniard spent the large part of the season as substitute, being given a few
minutes here and there and his one goal is a far cry from the 18 he scored for
Eibar last season, and the 23 for Zaragoza prior to that.
It’s perhaps fair to say that the
striker may not be suited to the physicality of the Premier League and he is
clearly capable of doing a job in La Liga, thus a return to Spain’s top flight
may beckon. Villarreal are said to be monitoring Baston’s situation and it’s
likely we’ve sign the last of the 24-year-old at the Liberty.
Another player we’d like to see
head for the exit door is Jordi Amat. The centre-back’s campaign was littered
with mistakes and his incompetence finally cost him when he was frozen out due
to the flourishing partnership between Alfie Mawson and Fredico Fernandez. In
truth, Amat has struggled since he was left to fill the void by Ashley Williams
following his transfer to Everton.
Elsewhere in defence, Mike van der
Hoorn should also move on. The centre-back made little to no impact in the
Swans back line and was limited to just eight appearances, failing to impress
Francesco Guidolin, Bob Bradley or Paul Clement. Much like Amat, the solid
partnsership striked up between Mawson and Fernnadez has seen him frozen out.
Of course, van der Hoorn could stay as back up or stay to fight for his place,
however, he’s something more of a squad player as opposed to a first-team
player.
Jefferson Montero is another
summer signing that may benefit from leaving South Wales. The winger started
just two games for the Swans last season, spending the rest of the campaign as a
substitute. Admittedly, his season did come to premature end having picked up a
knock but still, Montero underperformed and failed to make an impact when did
grace the pitch. Club America are rumoured to be interested in acquring the services
of 27-year-old and Liga MX is a league Montero is familiar with.
We had high hopes for Montero and
Baston in particular and it’s a shame things have not worked out. Amat is a
player we’d say goodbye to with a heavy heart, however, it is a move that would
prove mutually beneficial. The centre-back has had his day at the Liberty and
has been a good servant to the club, even filling it at right-back when called
upon, though now it’s time to say farewell.
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