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Can Swansea City avoid relegation?

By Taylor Anderson

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Fernando Llorente of Swansea City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Swansea City at Stadium of Light on May 13, 2017 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Fernando Llorente of Swansea City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Swansea City at Stadium of Light on May 13, 2017 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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Swansea City face an uphill battle

Welsh side Swansea City were the first team from Wales to gain promotion to the Premier League when they won the (then) Football League Championship Playoff Final in 2011, and since then the Swans have sometimes dazzled and other times frustrated fans across South Wales and the world.

Following the highs of winning the League Cup, entering into European competition and finishing 8th in the 2014/2015 season, Swansea City fell back to earth a bit. The side have struggled around the bottom half of the table and were involved in a relegation battle last season. The Swans narrowly avoiding relegation following the successful appointment of Paul Clement, formerly of Bayern Munich, finishing 15th in the league.

Following the sale of last season’s top scorer, Fernando Llorente, and all around best player in Gylfi Sigurdsson to Tottenham Hotspur and Everton respectively, Swansea fans around the globe may be a bit anxious about their side’s chances at surviving.

Positive Signs

However, all may not be lost, so don’t give up hope Jack Army! The capture of Portugal Under-21 star Renato Sanches on a season long loan from Bayern Munich, re-signing Wilfried Bony and bringing in Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham signals that the Swansea board are willing to work to keep the club up.

Renato Sanches, Midfielder

Sanches’ move to South Wales was surprising to many, although the Bayern connection that Paul Clement has made the move make more sense in hindsight. The Portugal youth star failed to impress and break through into the Bayern first team last season. Sanches is a classic box-to-box midfielder, makes strong tackles,  can provide cover for the defense and has solid range in his passing.

A move to Swansea City will give Sanches the time on the pitch that is crucial in a young player’s development, and it will be against top-class players night in and night out. This move could be beneficial for both Swansea City and Bayern Munich in the long run.

Wilfried Bony, Forward

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The recapture of Bony sends another strong signal as well. The Ivorian forward bagged 30 goals in 70 matches for the Swans from 2013-2015 before securing a big money move to Manchester City. While his time in Manchester was not all it was supposed to be, he should be a big impact player for Swansea City and the Jack Army will be thrilled to have him back in the side.

Tammy Abraham, Forward

Lastly there is young Tammy Abraham, who moved on loan to Wales from Chelsea prior to this season in an effort to get that all important playing time. The youngster, who rumors say is being recruited by Nigeria to join their international setup, already has a goal in 3 games. Abraham looks has looked a solid player for the future. If he continues to improve, he will definitely play a big role in the club staying up.

Next: Swansea sign Bayern midfielder on loan

The combination of a squad who have experience in relegation battles plus the new signings means the Jack Army can have confidence that the club and players know what is necessary in order to stay in the top flight for another season.

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