**Swansea City’s Bid for Brazilian Defender Rejected as Summer Recruitment Campaign Continues**
Swansea City have had their initial bid for Brazilian defender David Sousa turned down by Belgian side RWD Molenbeek, according to reports emerging this week. The Welsh club, who are in the midst of bolstering their squad ahead of the upcoming season, reportedly tabled an offer of around €1 million (£858,000) for the 23-year-old centre-back. However, it is understood this proposal fell short of Molenbeek’s expectations, and the door on this particular transfer now appears to have closed.
Sousa, a key fixture in Molenbeek’s defensive unit last term, featured 28 times in the Belgian Pro League and has just twelve months remaining on his current contract. The South American’s consistent displays have clearly caught the attention of Swansea’s recruitment team, who are aiming to build a squad capable of challenging in the Championship under manager Alan Sheehan. Nonetheless, with Molenbeek reluctant to let go of one of their starting defenders at a discounted price, no further progress on this deal is considered imminent.
This unsuccessful pursuit arrives as Swansea continue to be proactive in the transfer market. Already this summer, they have welcomed a quartet of new arrivals: defenders Cameron Burgess and Ricardo Santos, along with attackers Bobby Wales and Zeidane Inoussa. Meanwhile, playmaker Melker Widell has returned to the fold after rejoining AaB on loan immediately following his January signature. These moves reflect the club’s intentions to refresh the squad and provide greater competition for places, particularly after a challenging campaign last season.
Despite Sousa’s setback, defensive reinforcements remain on the agenda, with the Swans still reportedly seeking another player who can provide cover at both full-back and wingback. Current options out wide are limited to Josh Tymon, Josh Key, and Sam Parker, highlighting the need for additional depth, particularly as injuries and suspensions take their toll over the course of a busy season.
Alongside defensive priorities, the club are actively investigating possible options in central midfield. The protracted chase for Lewis O’Brien continues, yet a move appears complicated by Nottingham Forest’s hefty valuation of the player. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is rumoured to be holding out for around £8 million—a fee that far exceeds what Swansea are willing or able to spend. While there are whispers that Forest’s stance might mellow as the window progresses, it remains uncertain whether a compromise can be reached that would make O’Brien’s switch to south Wales feasible.
With other midfield options still under scrutiny, such as Leyton Orient’s Ethan Galbraith and Israeli player Gabi Kanichowsky, Swansea’s recruitment team are casting a wide net. However, sources suggest these players are only some of many names being tracked by the club, indicating that the search is by no means at an advanced stage for any particular target.
Further departures from the Liberty Stadium could yet influence the club’s remaining business. Ollie Cooper has recently been linked with a move away from south Wales, while questions persist over Jay Fulton’s future. Additionally, striker Jerry Yates, who spent last term out on loan, is cited as a potential candidate to leave should an appropriate bid be presented during the window.
If Yates does depart, Swansea may quicken their hunt for a new forward. After the recent exit of Mykola Kuharevich, the club’s need for fresh firepower is more pressing. One name reportedly under consideration is former fan favourite Oli McBurnie, although negotiations are still in an early phase.
With several weeks until the transfer window slams shut, supporters can expect further movement at Swansea—both in terms of arrivals and exits. As ever, the club face the delicate balancing act of strengthening the squad while operating within financial constraints, keenly aware that successful recruitment could prove pivotal for another campaign in the highly competitive Championship.