**Swansea City’s Summer Signings: Assessing Early Performances After Pre-Season Setback**
Swansea City’s preparations for the upcoming Championship campaign continued on Wednesday night, as the club’s raft of new arrivals were given further opportunities to impress during a pre-season encounter at Cheltenham Town. While the result—a defeat—will be of little concern to new boss Alan Sheehan, the match afforded valuable insights into how the side is shaping up and how recent signings are bedding into the squad.
With six new faces brought in over a busy summer transfer window, anticipation was high among the 900 travelling Swans’ supporters keen for an early glimpse of the club’s fresh recruits. Despite the loss, several players managed to catch the eye, offering plenty for fans to ponder as the season opener draws near.
Much of the attention centred on the defensive duo of Ricardo Santos and Cameron Burgess. The pair’s imposing stature was immediately apparent, commanding the backline with the presence reminiscent more of bouncers than traditional defenders. Unfortunately, a setback struck early for Santos, who was forced off the pitch within just 19 minutes after an awkward fall during an aerial challenge. In the wake of recent injuries, Sheehan opted to act with caution, later explaining the necessity of protecting his players during pre-season.
Burgess remained on the pitch longer and proved a dominant force in the air throughout his stint. He was proactive with the ball, seeking to instigate attacks from deep—an approach that drew inevitable parallels with former mainstay Harry Darling. While Burgess faces the burden of comparison, his assured distribution, combined with an appetite to play forwards, signals promise in filling the void left at the heart of Swansea’s defence.
Attention also turned to Ethan Galbraith, the ex-Manchester United midfielder, who was deployed as part of a double pivot in central midfield. Occupying a deeper role alongside Gonçalo Franco, Galbraith exhibited composure in possession, demonstrating crisp passing and a remarkable confidence when orchestrating play from the base of midfield. At times, he glided past pressure, swiftly transitioning the ball with precise, long passes. Although he will undoubtedly face sterner tests in the Championship, his calm authority bodes well for Swansea’s engine room.
Meanwhile, Melker Widell brought a feverish energy to proceedings in advanced areas. In contrast to Galbraith’s poise, Widell was relentless off the ball, endlessly pressing and disrupting Cheltenham’s rhythm. He showcased an ability to win free-kicks and link neatly with teammates, though moments of rushed decision-making crept in at times—most notably when he squandered a promising opportunity after latching on to a low cross. Harnessing that energy to greater effect could see him truly flourish with more time and coaching.
Another of the summer’s Scandinavian signings, Zeidane Inoussa, also demonstrated flashes of quality on the left flank. For much of his hour on the pitch, he offered width and dynamism, regularly combining with others and carving out openings—including a near-assist before half-time. Inoussa’s lively contribution hinted at further potential, suggesting he could become an exciting option as the team develops greater cohesion.
There was also an introduction for young striker Bobby Wales, who entered the fray on the hour. The 20-year-old’s tireless running and willingness to get involved justified the club’s investment in him, even if he failed to convert a decent chance after coming on. Wales still needs polish, but there are early indications of talent that could be honed into a valuable asset for Swansea as the campaign unfolds.
While pre-season friendlies rarely offer full clarity on a side’s prospects, Swansea’s showing at Cheltenham underlined both the strengths and areas for development within their new-look squad. With further signings likely and more tactical fine-tuning ahead, Sheehan and his staff will now focus on building chemistry and sharpness for the Championship curtain-raiser.
As the new arrivals gradually find their rhythm and adapt to the club’s expectations, Swansea fans will be hoping these initial glimpses of promise soon translate into consistent performances when competitive football returns. Early disappointment aside, the building blocks for progress appear to be in place, and supporters will no doubt stay eager for what comes next as a new era begins for the Swans.