Swansea City were one of three Premier League sides relegated last season. Whilst many would expect the trio to be mounting a case for an immediate return, that hasn’t been the case.
West Brom are the most handily placed of the trio, sitting in 4th place in the table. Swansea and Stoke are currently struggling mid-table, the pair sitting in 14th and 15th places respectively.
Relegation from the Premier League comes with both high expectations and an equally high wage bill. Already these sides are looking to cut their cloth accordingly, and Swansea are right in there doing just that.
A few days ago, the Swans were reported to be looking at staff redundancies, affecting all but the players and manager Graham Potter. On this matter the club said:
“It has been a difficult decision for the club to take. But these actions are necessary as part of the ongoing attempt to reduce the cost base in line with the significant reduction in revenue as a result of relegation from the Premier League.”
Coming fresh on the back of that is interest in a number of Swans players such as flying winger Dan James and striker Oliver McBurnie. Leeds United had a deal sealed before they were somewhat stitched up by Swansea’s refusal to answer the deadline day hotline.
Then comes this from Sun reporter Alan Nixon:
10 might go close https://t.co/zS3dmt76QF
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) March 24, 2019
If Swansea stay, as it looks likely that they will, in the Championship, then top players such as James and McBurnie, as well as Mike van der Hoorn are likely to want to move on. When it comes to an ambition vs cost balance, then it is inevitable.
What needs to really be asked though, or at least thought about is this: will this situation ramp up some. It is undeniable that Swansea are in that post-relegation cycle where cuts need to be made – even a politician should be able to see that as plain as day.
What I’d like to ask is this: is there the possibility that this could develop into a ‘firesale’ of sorts?
