**Swansea City Embark on Lively Pre-Season Camp as New Signings Join the Fold and Absences Clarified**
Swansea City have officially kicked off their pre-season preparations this week, with players both new and familiar reporting for duty under the South Wales sun. Spirits are high as the squad assemble at Fairwood, while supporters eagerly anticipate how these early sessions will mould the team ahead of the forthcoming Championship campaign.
This summer’s pre-season has a distinctly fresh feel, not only due to a reshuffled squad but also the integration of new backroom staff. Darren O’Dea, a recent appointment after his move from Celtic, now strengthens Alan Sheehan’s coaching ranks, aiming to inject renewed energy and ideas into the squad. The presence of club stalwarts Alan Curtis and Leon Britton, who have dropped in to observe proceedings, serves as a welcome nod to the club’s heritage and offers valuable support during this pivotal time.
Focusing heavily on fitness, the coaching team has already put the players through the demanding Single-Double-Single (SDS) running test, originally devised for UEFA referees. This intense drill simulates real-match sprinting situations, comprising a 60-metre dash, two 30-metre bursts, and finishing with another 60-metre effort. Familiar faces such as Josh Key, Josh Tymon, and Zan Vipotnik were spotted pushing their limits, joined by recent recruits Ricardo Santos, Bobby Wales, Melker Widell, and Zeidane Inoussa—all of whom endured the physical challenge under the midsummer heat.
While most of the squad have reported for these early sessions, a few absences have been swiftly explained. New signing Cameron Burgess has been given an extended break following his international commitments with Australia. Likewise, Welsh internationals Ben Cabango, Ollie Cooper, and Liam Cullen are also enjoying additional leave after representing their country last month. These player absences are routine for those involved in off-season national team fixtures.
Interest also surrounds some of the club’s returning and emerging players. Filip Lissah, still awaiting his senior breakthrough, continues to be monitored by the coaches. Meanwhile, Portuguese midfielder Goncalo Franco has drawn continental attention after an impressive debut term and has returned with evident enthusiasm, ready to kick on in his sophomore campaign. South Korean attacker Eom Jisung has reportedly been working assiduously on improving his physical attributes and agility, hoping to carve a more prominent role for himself in the months ahead.
Notably, Josh Ginnelly and Jerry Yates have re-joined full training. Ginnelly, having undertaken off-season gym work alongside former Swans favourite Jamie Paterson, appears to have put previous injury setbacks behind him—an encouraging sign as he enters the final year of his contract. Yates, back after a loan spell with Derby County, also re-integrates with the first team, though speculation lingers regarding his future, with the club reportedly open to offers.
Several other players, including Andy Fisher, Cameron Congreve, and Joel Cotterill, have returned to Fairwood following loan stints elsewhere. With the arrival of new faces and the return of familiar ones, competition for places is intensifying—a dynamic the coaching staff will hope to harness as they prepare for the season ahead.
The demanding schedule continues, with the squad due to travel to Spain for a week-long training camp later this month. A friendly against Stevenage at the Pinatar Arena on 19 July will round off their trip. Additional behind-closed-doors matches are on the cards, but Swans fans will get a chance to watch their side face Cheltenham Town on 23 July, then Exeter City on 26 July, before a glamour home tie against French outfit Lorient on 2 August.
Transfer talk remains a feature of Swansea’s pre-season narrative. The club are believed to have reignited interest in Leyton Orient’s Ethan Galbraith and are keeping tabs on players such as Gabi Kanichowsky, though no deals have yet been finalised. Hopes of re-signing Lewis O’Brien, following a successful loan, could well fall foul of financial constraints, while a return for striker Oli McBurnie is considered unlikely but not impossible.
One piece of off-field news yet to be clarified is the release of the new home and away kits, despite fans catching glimpses of the squad’s new training wear—sponsored this season by Resin Co. With kit unveilings typically occurring by this stage, supporters are hoping for updates soon.
As Swansea City continue their rigorous pre-season in preparation for a crucial campaign, the blend of fresh talent, returning players, and a new-look coaching team offers hope—and no shortage of talking points—as the new Championship season approaches.