Swansea City: Three hopes, one fear

The big fear: that losing Ashley Williams may spell doom for the Swans.

For eight seasons Williams was the heart and soul of the Swansea defense. Those that watched Wales this year at the Euros saw what type of player he was: always willing to make the late run, willing to play hurt, and someone who a manager can always count. The funny thing is that Swans supporters have known this for years having watched him for the past eight seasons grow and mature into one of the top center-backs in English football.

But now Williams is gone having left for Everton in the offseason on a 12 million pound transfer. While it would be easy to say that Swansea can replace him with any player the truth is that it is very difficult to replace the face of a team. There is also the added stigma of explaining to supporters why one of their favorite players had to leave.

On the pitch, it appears that the club is leaning towards Jordi Amat. Amat, 24, has been with the club since 2013 making 49 appearances across all competitions mostly as a spot starter during Premier League play and in cup competitions. Thus far he has proven himself to be an adequate replacement making several key stops in their 1-0 opening day victory over Burnley. The question is if he can do it over an extended period.

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Off of the pitch it will be up to Levien and chairman Huw Jenkins to move the club forward. Supporters will forgive Levien for letting Williams go if he can help the club develop new players and invest in the product on the pitch. Levien’s time with D.C. United has been a bit checkered with the club dropping in the standings and being unable to get back to former glory.

Although Levien cannot be blamed for all of United’s maladies their lack of spending in the transfer market and lack of a youth academy program have fallen during his tenure. Those will certainly be worrying signs Swansea City supporters.