**Swansea City Boss Alan Sheehan Eyes More Recruitment as Squad Depth Questioned Ahead of New Championship Season**
Swansea City manager Alan Sheehan has openly admitted the club remains active in the transfer market, signalling the likelihood of further arrivals and departures before the Championship campaign gets underway in August. The Irishman, who has presided over a significant squad turnover so far this summer, offered a candid update following his side’s 2-1 friendly defeat against Cheltenham Town, a match which underlined the need for reinforcements.
With the season opener fast approaching, Sheehan emphasised both the positives of conducting early business and the exigency for additional signings, suggesting that the squad still lacks the depth required to face the rigours of a long Championship season. “We’ve made some positive additions already, but it’s clear the squad still needs bolstering. A number of players have left, and while the new recruits have added quality, we have to ensure we have sufficient numbers and depth,” Sheehan remarked.
His comments come amid a backdrop of uncertainty regarding the futures of several players, notably Josh Ginnelly and Jerry Yates. Both were left out of Swansea’s recent pre-season tour of Spain, fuelling speculation about potential transfers. Although Yates has attracted interest from previous club Blackpool as well as other suitors, he is reportedly keen to remain in the Championship. Meanwhile, reports indicate that no formal offers are currently on the table for either player.
Addressing the situation, Sheehan did not rule out the possibility of Ginnelly and Yates remaining at the club. “They’re still training with the squad and will feature in our upcoming behind-closed-doors friendly against Barnsley. We’ll need to reflect and decide what’s in the best interests of both the players and the club,” he explained, indicating ongoing evaluations regarding squad composition.
Swansea’s ability to attract certain targets may be limited by financial realities, a point Sheehan was keen to acknowledge. The club are reportedly set to miss out on midfielder Lewis O’Brien, who appears to have opted for a more lucrative package at Wrexham, whilst mooted interest in Oli McBurnie has stalled, with salary constraints again cited as a decisive factor. In a nod to the competitive pressures of the transfer market, Sheehan commented, “We’re working within our means and can’t always match what other Championship clubs are offering. The focus is on bringing in the right characters who will improve the squad.”
Injury issues have also contributed to squad concerns. Centre-back Ben Cabango and defender Ricardo Santos are both being monitored after picking up minor knocks, while promising youngster Filip Lissah is recovering from an ankle injury. Sheehan was able to offer more encouraging news regarding South Korean winger Eom Jisung, who is set to return to training after missing the Spanish tour. These minor injuries, while not serious, have nonetheless disrupted preparations and added to the need for depth.
There are, however, indications that the management is determined not to rush any deals, preferring a discreet approach as negotiations and assessments continue. “We want to conduct our business quietly. Once deals are done, everyone will be informed,” said Sheehan, underscoring a preference for privacy and patience amid ongoing conjecture about further ins and outs.
Sheehan also clarified the situation regarding Florian Bianchini, whose absence against Cheltenham was not linked to injury. With Swansea set to face a packed schedule of friendlies in the coming days, including matches against Barnsley and Exeter City, the manager stressed the importance of rotating his squad and giving playing time to multiple combinations. “It’s about sharing out the minutes and testing different line-ups. Bianchini will almost certainly feature in the Barnsley game,” he added.
As Swansea City’s pre-season intensifies, the coming weeks are expected to bring further developments in the club’s transfer activity. With Sheehan at the helm, supporters will be closely watching both incoming and outgoing moves as the Swans look to assemble a competitive squad ahead of their Championship opener on 9th August.