Taking Flight Once Again: Swansea City

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Stade Rennais have confirmed the signing of Swansea midfielder Leroy Fer on a two-year-deal.

The French outfit had been reportedly interested in Fer for a number of weeks and a bid had been received by Swansea; however, no further news emerged regarding the players future.

Fer has spent four years at the Liberty Stadium, having made his loan move permanent from Queens Park Rangers in 2016. However, has struggled for regular game-time this year after he damaged his achilles tendon in February last season, resulting in the Dutchman missing the start of the campaign.

The 28-year-old has made just two starts this season, coming off of the bench on three separate occasions and struggling to break into the squad over the usual midfield duo of Jay Fulton and Tom Carroll.

Fer will depart at the start of January, after the deal was confirmed. It is rumoured that the deal is in the region of £3,400,000 with adds ons eventually causing the transfer to rise to £6,500,000.

Swansea manager Leon Britton said, "Leroy has been a fantastic player during his time at the club and has been a pleasure to work with on and off the pitch. He is a tremendously talented player, but things just haven't worked out for him this season and it's in both of our interests to do what's best for him and allow him to begin the next chapter of his career."

"I have a lot of time for Leroy and wish him the best of luck in France. I am confident he will be highly successful there."

Fer made 65 appearances prior to this season and scored seven goals for the club. He has thanked the fans for their support over the years. "I am very grateful to the fans who have supported me during my time at the club. I have enjoyed every moment and wish everyone the best of luck this season and beyond."

Replies

Jack: Yeah, I can understand that. I was particularly disappointed by the draw with Ipswich given they were a team I expected three points against. However, that isn't how football works and luckily we picked ourselves up and got results elsewhere.

And about Fer... Personally, I just can't find a way for him to get into the side and therefore I would rather cut ties and bring in a decent fee to improve elsewhere.

Griffin: That's very much the case. Hopefully we'll be able to do so soon, as the more we chase the less it's in our hands and I like to be in control of my own fate.

Justice: Those clean sheets were very important and gave a huge morale boost to the defence; who have been very impressive so far. I'm glad we're getting some momentum going!

Hmmmmmm, £3.5M rising to £6.5M... I'm sure if you'd waited a little longer you'd have got slightly more for a player who is arguably still in his prime. Either way, I'm sure he was a drain on your wage bill in the Championship and now you can use your parachute payments for something more useful

Like Jack said, he probably took up a big chunk of your wage bill so probably for the best. If and when you secure promotion you'll be able to find a player who fills his role even better, of that I have no doubt!

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"November was short, but not exactly sweet. We had few fixtures but November promised to be a key month to our season; with fixtures ranging from expected victories to tricky opposition in promotion challengers.

We opened the month with a 1-0 victory over Rotherham in a game we expected to win. However, the Millers gave a good account of themselves and certainly didn't roll over like the bookies expected them to. Tom Carroll proving to be the difference with a tidy finish.

Admittedly, we expected six points from six in our opening two fixtures of the month - but this wasn't to be the case. Bolton shocked us at the Liberty and I was hugely disappointed by the lads. We were embarrassed by the visitors and fully deserved to be beaten. It meant a shake-up in the team was needed in our next game.

That did occur, as a number of changes were made in the home fixture to promotion rivals Norwich. We both shown our quality at the back as the game ended all square. It was a game of real quality at the back but nothing else in a boring affair. However, it allowed us to recover from that disappointing defeat and the spirit was very much back.

Therefore, it was key we ended the month on a high and we did so. We comfortably beat West Brom by three goals to one. Oliver [McBurnie] found the net twice to add to an early goal from Jefferson [Montero] as we claimed all three points to propel ourselves into the automatic promotion spots at the end of the month.

It has certainly been an interesting few months here, but I am enjoying my time. December is a busy month and the festive period is very important again to the team. It's essential we look to build on our league position and cement our hold on the top two spots.

We face a number of challenging opposition, however it will provide a real test to our abilities. Our opening fixtures include games against the current 5th, 3rd and 6th placed teams in the league [Derby County, Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday] and it's these games that will provide a real test to our strength. I am very much looking forward to it."

Replies

Jack: Perhaps so, but it was a decision that needed to be made. Fer wasn't entirely happy with his status at the club and we are still making a tidy profit from his sale; so all-in-all it isn't all bad. We will definitely use the money to reinvest in some capacity.

Griffin: Yeah, he did take up a little bit of the wage and therefore it will certainly help the finances now he has left. Hopefully it's not a decision I will live to rue.

That's a good point taken against Norwich when taking into account their league position. Definitely three points dropped against rock-bottom Bolton, though, those points could prove to be crucial at the end of the season. You're emerging as a true candidate for automatic promotion though with this steady form you've got going. That January transfer window could prove to be extremely important and I'd spend it on suring up your defence a little bit from my perspective, using the Fer money. You seem to be dropping points by conceding goals against weak but physical opposition, so a big, tall centre-back wouldn't go amiss I think?

Gutted to see Fer go but it is now time for the troops to rally together and fight for promotion! By the looks of things, you're not too bad off without him

Great start of the season! Swansea belongs in the PL

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Swansea City forward Wilfried Bony has made his intentions clear for the remainder of the season, after he earned his side a 1-0 win after scoring a late goal this weekend.

The Ivorian has been out out of action with injury and has been limited to brief cameo appearances off of the bench for the last few weeks, in an effort to restore his fitness. However, he bagged his first goal of the season after he slotted home to earn Swansea a 1-0 win against Frank Lampard's Derby side.

The 30-year-old returned to the Welsh side last season, after he struggled to make an impact at Manchester City in a £12,000,000 move. He made 15 appearances and scored twice prior to damaging his cruciate ligaments, which has kept him out of action since February.

Despite lacking goals since rejoining, fans have remained confident in the striker. Prior to leaving the Liberty Stadium to join City, Bony scored 25 goals across 54 appearances for the Swans after signing from Dutch side Vitesse Arnham for £13,500,000 in 2013.

There had been concerns over whether the Ivory Coast international would be given a work permit, that would allow him to play for Swansea upon his return from injury. However, those issues seem to be resolved and Bony is still contracted with the club until the end of the season.

After scoring the winner at Derby, Bony said: "I'm delighted to be back playing again and scoring. That is my job and what I love to do. Not playing football is very difficult and I am very happy to be back in front of the fans. I am ready to prove my worth again and enjoy a great season."

"I have struggled in the last few seasons for goals, but I am at a place I like to call home. This club has done a lot for me and I said when I returned, I am so pleased to be back." Wilfried laughed, "The fans have supported me since day one with their song for me. I'm hoping to hear it more often from now."

Swansea travel to Brentford on Saturday following the win and will look to cement their grip on second position and continue to hunt down leaders Middlesbrough, who sit five points clear.

Replies

Jack: It was a devastating loss to Bolton and hopefully a game we won't live to regret come the end of the season; as I fear it very much could be. It's key we continue to keep this steady run of form going as this league is relentless. January will be interesting and we'll definitely be looking to strengthen in certain areas, for now I can't reveal our plans but you'll see in due course.

Justice: Fer is a shame, as he has the talent but was unfortunate due to the form of other players. Hopefully we'll cope without him.

Pickshield: Thanks man! I believe they were becoming a regular in the Premier League too, it was a shame to see them relegated.

I'm singing the song.... Come on Wilfried Bony, Score Some Goals For Swansea....

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Swansea City defender Martin Olsson is likely to miss the rest of the season, after he broke his leg in his sides 2-0 win against Hull City.

The defender suffered the injury in the 81st minute and was stretched off after a challenge from Hull defender Todd Kane. Kane won the ball, but unfortunately caught Olsson's leg, replays revealed. The 25-year-old was visibly upset after the incident and was comforted by players from both teams.

It is expected that the Swede will be out for at least four months, after scans revealed that only the lower part of the leg suffered any breakage. However, it is believed that he won't feature for the remainder of the season.

Olsson, 30, has been a key part to Leon Britton's plans this season, featuring nineteen times for the Swans. He joined the club in 2017 from Norwich City for £5,000,000 and has since made 70 appearances, scoring twice during his spell.

Following confirmation of the extent of the injury, Britton spoke of Olsson's impact on the team: "It's a real blow for all of us. Martin is a talented footballer who has been a key part to the team this season. His influence is noted both on and off the pitch as he is a special character to have around. He is a true professional."

"It certainly puts a real dent in our team, as he was one of the first names on the teamsheet each week. We wish him the speediest of recoveries and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch whenever that may be; we will soon find out I'm sure."

Reports are circulating that Swansea are believed to be interested in Burnley full-back Charlie Taylor, to replace the injuried Olsson. Taylor, 25, has made just two league appearances for Sean Dyche's side this season and is likely to be exiting Turf Moor in January, after making just 13 appearances across two seasons since joining from Leeds last Summer.

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Justice: We go wild, wild, wild...

Will be a massive blow for you, is a very good option at left back! Charlie Taylor would be a very good replacement for you though

Huge blow, he's an incredible player. Whoever you bring in will have big boots to fill!

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"From one extreme to the other. The festive period was a busy month for everyone at the club. However, it marked one of the most successful periods under my management I believe.

We began the month against three of our nearest challengers and managed to take seven points from nine, which is a strong record. I was pleased to see Wilfried [Bony] back on the scoresheet at Derby and hope that he can continue to improve as he continues to get more minutes. The Sheffield Wednesday game was a great one for me and showed the quality we have in attack, even outside of our strikers like Oliver [McBurnie] and Wilfried.

The only negative of the month was losing Martin [Olsson] for what looks like the season. It's a big blow to our team, but we'll look to find a suitable replacement to see us through the season and the board have been generous and gave me the funds to do so.

We perhaps struggled without his quality in the next game to Villa, who are struggling somewhat surprisingly, but a point is better than nothing and we concluded the month in style. We go into January with clear aims and plans and we're confident we'll retain everyone.

Next month, like every month is very important. It begins our campaign into the FA Cup; where we will travel the One Call Stadium to play Mansfield Town. We cannot afford to underestimate them and we'll be looking to make an impact on the cup, as well as ensuring we continue our form in the league."

Replies

Griffin: He will be a big miss, for sure. Taylor is certainly the primary target and we'll be looking to bring him in, if possible.

Justice: Definitely. Fingers crossed they'll live up to the standards set by Martin.

Another unbeaten month, cannot really complain! Your defensive record has been exceptional and has kept you within breathing distance of top spot but it appears that there have been some difficulties with scoring goals against teams with a strong defensive ability. I'm sure that'll be sorted out soon though

You're in promotion form that much is for sure!