Three Replacements For Gylfi Sigurdsson Who Swansea Can Sign
Swansea City are all set to lose their star player Gylfi Sigurdsson, as the Icelandic international edges closer to a move to Premier League heavy spenders Everton.
The 27-year old has been a subject of strong speculations linking him with a move away from the Liberty Stadium with Everton having already had a couple of bids rejected for him by the Welsh outfit. But with the Premier League season kick-off coming closer by the day, the Toffees will look to step up their pursuit and finalize a deal at the earliest.
The Swans’ captain Leon Britton too thinks it is just a matter of time before Sigurdsson departs for the Merseyside. The veteran midfielder, in an interview, said (as quoted by BBC Sport):
“You do live in hope that he will stay. I don’t know if it’s going to get done. If he does go, it’s vitally important to replace him with the same kind of quality.”
“When you see Gylfi’s stats last year you think he would be playing for one of the top-half clubs, he is a big influence at the top end of the pitch. Unfortunately, at the kind of club we’re at, when the biggest teams come calling it is hard to keep him.”
With the captain of the team himself coming out and claiming that a move is likely, it does seem that the transfer is just a matter of time. If and when Sigurdsson leaves Swansea, here are three replacements that the club can target to replace the club Player of the Year for two consecutive years.
Konstantinos Fortounis (Olympiacos)
The 24-year old Greek international has been a consistent performer for Olympiacos over the past three years. Fortounis had an excellent season, finishing with 8 goals and 8 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. The Olympiacos man can play anywhere in the attack, be it on the flanks or as a central attacking midfielder. Fortounis has demonstrated that he can be a constant source of goals in his three years with the Greek side and can turn into the ideal replacement for Sigurdsson, provided Swansea convince him to move to the Premier League.
Robert Snodgrass (West Ham United)
The Scotsman endured a poor second half last season, following his move to West Ham United from Hull City in January. But he showed that he can be a great asset, in the first half with the Tigers.
Snodgrass finished the 2016/17 campaign with 9 goals and 6 assists from 39 games in all competitions, for both West Ham and Hull combined, with just 2 assists coming for the Hammers since January. Despite his struggle in East London, the 29-year old has demonstrated that he can be an effective outlet down the flanks or through the middle.
His ability to hit accurate crosses from the wide areas will come in particularly handy, with the likes of Fernando Llorente and Tammy Abraham present in the Swans’ strike-force. Could be a great piece of business, if Snodgrass rediscovers his form.
Jonathan Vieira (Las Palmas)
Swansea have already raided La Liga outfit Las Palmas for one of their star players Roque Mesa this summer, and a second raid to sign Jonathan Viera should definitely be considered if Sigurdsson leaves.
Along with Mesa, Viera too was extremely important in the Spanish club putting up a strong display last season. While Mesa sat deep and controlled the pace of the proceedings, Viera worked tirelessly at the top to create chances for his teammates. So much so that, only Lionel Messi attempted more through balls (44) last season in the La Liga than the 27-year old (22). He produced a return of 7 goals and 9 assists last season from 33 games.
Able to play down the left-side and as a No.10, Viera enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Mesa last season and Swansea would hugely benefit if they can get the two to partner up again in the Premier League.
Comments are closed.