The Swansea Way 🦢🦢🦢

[CrokayVessel]

November 2027:

November delivered a mixed set of results as Swansea continued to find their feet in the Premier League.

The month began with a narrow 1–0 friendly win over Shelbourne, keeping squad players sharp. League action started positively with an impressive 3–3 draw away at Arsenal, a standout result that highlighted Swansea’s attacking quality and resilience against top opposition.

Back at home, Swansea followed that up with a solid 2–0 win over Fulham, securing valuable points and a clean sheet. Momentum then dipped with a 3–1 away defeat at Coventry, before the month ended in frustration as Swansea were edged out 1–0 at home by Bournemouth.

Table:

 

[CrokayVessel]

December 2027:

December proved to be a demanding festive period, but Swansea finished the month with a much-needed lift.

The month opened with a narrow 1–0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, followed by a disciplined 0–0 draw away at Norwich, where defensive solidity was the key takeaway. A thrilling but costly 4–2 loss at home to Chelsea exposed defensive frailties despite attacking promise.

Swansea then showed resilience on the road with a hard-fought 2–2 draw at West Ham on Boxing Day, before ending December on a high with an excellent 2–1 home victory over Manchester United, a statement result that capped off the festive schedule in style.

With the transfer window about to open Gaffer will certainly be looking to bring fresh faces in.

Wants:
- A new goalkeeper to challenge Rossi for the starting spot
- Premier League standard CB for competition
- Overhaul of the fullback situation
- A striker to compete for places in the starting XI

Table:

 

[CrokayVessel]

January 2028:

January was a tough and demanding month as Swansea faced a run of high-caliber opposition across league and cup competitions.

The year began in dramatic fashion with a thrilling 3–2 away win at Newcastle, setting an optimistic tone. That was followed by a high-scoring but ultimately disappointing 5–3 home defeat to Manchester City, where attacking intent was outweighed by City’s quality.

Cup hopes were ended shortly after with a 2–1 home loss to Norwich in the FA Cup Third Round. League form picked up mid-month as Swansea produced a solid 3–1 home win over Burnley, only for momentum to stall again with a heavy 4–0 home defeat to Spurs.

A resilient 1–1 draw away at Nottingham Forest showed defensive improvement, but January ended on a sour note with a 3–0 away loss to Brentford.

Table:

Takeover Approaching:

Transfer News:

Caleb Wiley - Loan

A dynamic and athletic left-sided wing-back who adds pace and energy down the flank. Wiley offers strong acceleration, good crossing and a real willingness to get forward, making him well-suited to an attacking role.

At 23, he provides Premier League-ready depth and versatility on the left side, with the potential to make a strong impact during his loan spell.

Mateo Silvetti – £5m

A talented and versatile attacking minded player who adds creativity and goal threat across the front line. Comfortable on either flank or through the middle, Silvetti combines good technique, intelligent movement and strong determination. At just 22, he represents a high-upside signing with the potential to develop into a key player for Swansea in the Premier League.

Eric Martel – £7.75m

A powerful and reliable defensive midfielder who brings steel, leadership and consistency to the spine of the team. Strong in the tackle with excellent positioning, anticipation and work rate, Martel offers Premier League–ready physicality and can also cover at centre-back. At 25, he’s a ready-made starter and a smart value signing to stabilise Swansea’s midfield.

Michael Cooper – £8.25m

A dependable first-choice goalkeeper in his prime who offers strong shot-stopping and handling, backed by excellent concentration and determination. Comfortable commanding his area and quick off his line, Cooper brings reliability and leadership to the defence. At £8.25m, he’s a solid-value Premier League keeper capable of delivering consistency week in, week out.

 

[CrokayVessel]

February 2028:

A hugely positive month for Swansea, marked by strong league form and confidence-building wins. The Swans opened with a solid 2–0 home win over Coventry, then brushed aside Torquay 4–2 in a friendly.

Premier League momentum really kicked on away from home, with impressive victories at Fulham (2–1) and Bournemouth (3–0). The month was capped in style with a statement 4–1 home win over Arsenal, which honestly could & should have been 5 or 6 for The Swans, however thus underlining Swansea’s growing authority at this level.

Brewster came off the bench in the 55th minute & turned into prime Michu against Arsenal with 2 goals & an assist.

Table:

New Tactic:

The reason for the upturn in momentum would be the tactical tweaks Gaffer has implemented, now using a variant of a 4-3-3 - Salah & Brooks have really benefited from the switch both hitting unbelievable form, with 9 games it's too late for a late European push isn't it....

 

[CrokayVessel]

March - April - May 2028:

March 2028:

A mixed month that started brightly but quickly turned tough. Swansea cruised to a 5–0 friendly win over Macclesfield, but league form dipped with a narrow 1–0 home loss to Norwich, followed by a heavy 4–0 defeat away at Manchester United, highlighting the gap against elite opposition.

April 2028:

A demanding fixture list produced moments of resilience but little reward. Swansea showed grit with 2–2 draws away at Crystal Palace and Chelsea, but home defeat to West Ham (2–1) and a thrilling yet painful 4–3 loss at Brighton stalled momentum. The month ended positively with a vital 3–2 home win over Sunderland, stopping the slide.

May 2028:

A challenging close to the season. Swansea fell 3–1 away to Liverpool, before rounding off the campaign with a 1–1 home draw against Aston Villa, securing a respectable final point.

Final Table:

Debuts:

Debuts were handed to three academy graduates in the final week of the season, with Bexton trusted with a starting role, while Roberts and Peters were both introduced from the bench in the second half — a fitting end to the campaign and a clear sign of the bright futures ahead for all three members of the Gaffer’s squad.

Budget:

Season Review:

Swansea’s return to the Premier League proved to be a demanding but encouraging campaign, marked by moments of real quality, heavy lessons against elite opposition, and clear signs of long-term progress. After promotion, the squad showed they belonged at the level, producing standout results against established top-flight sides while continuing to build for the future.

Off the pitch, the season was equally significant. Smart recruitment added quality and athleticism across the pitch, while a clear pathway for youth development was reinforced. This was symbolized by three academy debuts on the final match week, with Bexton starting, and Roberts and Peters introduced from the bench — a strong statement of trust in the club’s future.

Overall, the season laid a solid foundation: Premier League survival secured, valuable experience gained, young talent introduced, and a squad beginning to take shape for sustained top-flight football. With refinement, depth, and continued development, Swansea looks well placed to push on in the seasons ahead.

 

[FM_TNSSO]

What a great first season up in the top tier! Excellent result that! Be interesting to see who comes in over the Summer now your stature should have increased a bit.

 

[CrokayVessel]

Not the best end to the season but you've done brilliantly to finish mid table and hopefully you can build on it over the summer with a decent budget

Yeah I thought we were on for a late push into top 10 but very very happy with a mid table finish! Lots to work on & lots of contracts to sort out

 

[CrokayVessel]

What a great first season up in the top tier! Excellent result that! Be interesting to see who comes in over the Summer now your stature should have increased a bit.

Ive been working on the transfer targets already! Happy with mid table when I was sitting around 15/16th most of the year, now to avoid second season syndrome!

 

[CrokayVessel]

Pre-Season Report:

Swansea enjoyed a strong and productive pre-season, using a packed schedule to build momentum, test depth, and sharpen attacking patterns ahead of the new campaign.

The summer began positively with comfortable home wins over Forest Green (2–0) and Salford (3–1), setting the tone early. A mixed spell on the road followed, highlighted by an impressive 3–1 away win against Sigma Olomouc, though defensive frailties were exposed in a heavy 6–2 defeat to Baník Ostrava. The squad responded well, regaining control with a solid 2–0 victory at First Vienna FC.

Back on home soil, Swansea hit their stride. Convincing wins over Bray Wanderers (5–1) and Sparta Prague (2–0) showcased attacking depth and improved cohesion, before a disciplined 0–0 draw against Wolves provided a valuable test against Premier League opposition.

August continued the upward trend, with wins against Dundee United (3–1) and Paris FC (1–0), before pre-season concluded emphatically with a dominant 6–0 victory over Macclesfield.

Overall, pre-season delivered goals, confidence, and clarity, with the squad showing resilience after setbacks, strong home form, and growing tactical sharpness — leaving Swansea well prepared for the competitive season ahead.

Transfer Update:

We start with the outgoings first & again its mostly loans for younger players - loans for all players who made their debuts end of last year in the Premier League, however all outgoings were sold at a profit.

Tosin Adarabioyo arrived from Fiorentina for just £2m, proving to be a shrewd and low-risk addition to the squad.

An experienced 30-year-old centre-back, Adarabioyo brings Premier League–ready physicality with his 6'5" frame, strong aerial presence, and solid defensive fundamentals. Comfortable on the ball and capable of stepping out from the back.

For the price paid, this deal represents excellent value, providing leadership, depth, and immediate competition at the heart of Swansea’s defence.

Jofre Torrents joined from Barcelona for £5.25m, continuing Swansea’s smart recruitment with a high-upside, long-term signing.

At just 21 years old, Torrents already looks first-team ready at left-back/wing-back, combining strong technical ability with excellent positioning and athleticism. His comfort on the ball, willingness to drive forward, and reliability defensively make him well suited to an inside full-back or attacking wing-back role, giving Swansea balance and progression down the left flank.

With five-star potential and top-level pedigree, this feels like an outstanding value deal—a player who can grow into a cornerstone of the side while offering immediate impact in the Premier League.

Danilo Stosić arrived from Partizan for £5.5m, adding another exciting piece to Swansea’s long-term project.

Just 18 years old, the highly rated right wing-back is very much one for the future, offering raw athleticism, energy and attacking intent down the flank. While still developing, his age and profile suggest significant upside, with time and coaching expected to mould him into a powerful modern wing-back.

This signing underlines the club’s strategy of investing in elite young talent early, securing high-ceiling players who can grow into key contributors at Premier League level.

Andrey Santos was secured from Chelsea for £8.25m, adding real quality and depth to Swansea’s midfield.

A dynamic and well-rounded midfielder, Santos brings a strong blend of physicality, composure and intelligence, capable of influencing games at both ends of the pitch. Despite his young age, he arrives with top-level experience and the mentality to handle Premier League demands.

This move continues Swansea’s smart recruitment approach — targeting high-upside talent with immediate impact, while still leaving room for growth and future value.

Ronnie Edwards arrived from Southampton for £17.75m, marking one of Swansea’s marquee signings of the window.

A composed and modern centre-back, Edwards adds leadership, defensive assurance and ball-playing quality to the back line. Comfortable building from deep and strong in his reading of the game, he looks tailor-made for Premier League football.

At this stage of his career, the signing strikes the perfect balance between proven reliability and long-term upside, reinforcing Swansea’s defence while laying foundations for sustained top-flight stability.

Rayan joined Swansea from Vasco da Gama for £21m, a statement signing that underlines the club’s growing ambition.

A highly rated attacking prospect, Rayan brings pace, flair and direct goal threat, with the raw attributes to trouble Premier League defenses immediately. Still developing, his ceiling is extremely high, and this move represents both a short-term boost and a long-term investment.

It’s a bold acquisition, adding excitement and unpredictability to the forward line while signaling Swansea’s intent to compete at the highest level.

Josip Dunjvak was signed from Servette for £8.75m, with the decision made to loan him straight back until the end of the season.

A highly regarded young prospect, the move allows Swansea to secure his long-term future early while ensuring he continues to receive regular first-team football. The loan-back arrangement supports his development and integration timeline, positioning him to arrive more mature and ready to contribute when he joins the squad in full.

 

[CrokayVessel]

August / September / October 2028:

The season began with an encouraging away performance as Swansea claimed a 3–1 victory at Everton, setting a positive early tone. That momentum briefly stalled with a narrow 1–0 home defeat to Bournemouth, before the Swans bounced back in cup competition, easing past Portsmouth 3–1 away in the Carabao Cup.

League form continued to pick up with an impressive 2–0 away win at Wolves, highlighting growing confidence on the road. The month concluded with a dramatic 2–2 home draw against Spurs in the Carabao Cup which ended in a Swansea penalty win, a competitive showing against top-level opposition.

Overall, August delivered promising league wins, steady cup progress, and signs of resilience as the new season began to take shape.

September proved a month of sharp contrasts. A narrow 1–0 home defeat to Manchester United was quickly followed by a statement performance, as Swansea thrashed Manchester City 5–1 at home, one of the standout results of the season. That momentum couldn’t quite be sustained away from home, with a 2–0 loss at Leeds closing out the month.

October mixed league action with a run of friendlies. Confidence was boosted off the pitch with emphatic friendly wins over St Pat’s Athletic (5–1) and Shamrock Rovers (3–0), alongside a 1–1 draw with Shelbourne. League form, however, remained inconsistent. Swansea suffered a 2–0 defeat away at Sunderland, before responding well with a hard-fought 1–0 home win over West Ham. Progress in the Carabao Cup continued in style, beating Burnley 5–2 at home to reach the next round. The month ended on a positive note in the league with a solid 2–0 away victory at Brentford.

Overall, the period showcased big highs against elite opposition, continued cup progress, and growing resilience, even if league consistency was still being refined.

Table:

 

[CrokayVessel]

November 2028:

November was a month built on resilience rather than results. Swansea showed they could compete with the league’s elite, opening the month with a hard-earned 1–1 draw at home to Liverpool. That fighting spirit was tested away from home the following week, with a 3–1 defeat at Spurs proving the toughest outing of the month.

Attention briefly turned away from competitive action as Swansea enjoyed a comfortable 5–1 friendly win over Torquay, before returning to league duty with two more displays of grit. A 1–1 home draw against Aston Villa was followed by another 1–1 stalemate away at Newcastle, rounding off a run where Swansea consistently stayed in games, even if a breakthrough victory proved elusive.

Overall, November highlighted a side that was difficult to beat against strong opposition, continuing to pick up points and maintain momentum heading into the busy winter period.

Table:

 

[CrokayVessel]

December 2028:
December delivered a demanding festive schedule, mixing frustration with some vital high points. The month began with back-to-back home draws, a goalless stalemate against Fulham followed by a 1–1 draw with Arsenal, showing Swansea’s ability to stay competitive against strong opposition.

Cup success provided a lift as Swansea produced a convincing 3–1 away win at Grimsby to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals, before league action resumed with a narrow 1–0 defeat at Chelsea.

The festive period itself brought drama and goals. A thrilling 3–2 home win over Crystal Palace was a highlight, though it was followed by disappointment on the road with a 2–1 loss at Brighton. Swansea finished the year on a positive note, closing December with a commanding 3–1 home victory against Coventry, ensuring momentum heading into the new year.

Table:

Newcastle Approach Rejected:

Midway through the campaign, the Gaffer’s impressive work at Swansea did not go unnoticed, with Newcastle United offering an interview as they searched for a new head coach while sitting 16th in the Premier League.

Despite the prestige of the role and the interest shown, the Gaffer politely declined the approach, reaffirming his commitment to the project at the Swans. With Swansea progressing steadily and a clear long-term vision in place, the decision underlined a belief in continuity and unfinished business in South Wales.

For now, the focus remains firmly on building something special at Swansea, rather than being tempted by short-term opportunity elsewhere.

 

[CrokayVessel]

January 2029:

The new year began in emphatic fashion as Swansea swept aside Wolves 4–0, setting the tone for what looked to be a strong January. Progress followed in the FA Cup, edging past Leeds 2–1 to move into the next round and keep hopes of a cup run alive.

However, the intensity of the fixture list soon told. A battling 2–1 win away at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg put the Swans in a strong position, but league form dipped with defeats to Manchester United (4–2), Bournemouth (3–2), Everton (3–2) and Manchester City (2–1) — all tight contests against top-flight opposition.

The month closed with resilience on display as Swansea held Liverpool to a 1–1 draw in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, securing a famous aggregate victory and booking their place in the final.

Table:

Carabao Cup Final:

 

[CrokayVessel]

Transfer Update:

Swansea have snapped up Jack Wright, a 17-year-old Welsh winger, as one for the future. Still raw but full of potential, Wright adds pace and flair out wide and fits the club’s long-term vision of developing young, homegrown talent. One to keep an eye on as he grows into senior football at the Swans.

Swansea completed the signing of Kjell Watjen from Borussia Dortmund for £6.25m, adding a highly regarded young talent to the squad. The move represents smart recruitment, bringing in a player with strong pedigree and significant upside, as Watjen looks to develop into an important first-team option in the seasons ahead.

Swansea secured the signing of Neco Williams for £7.75m from Sassuolo, bringing proven quality and versatility into the squad. The Welsh international adds valuable top-level experience and depth, while also fitting the club’s long-term vision as the Swans continue to build a competitive Premier League side.

Swansea made a major statement in the market by signing Jeremy Jacquet from Nice for £25m. A high-profile addition, Jacquet arrives as a marquee signing to strengthen the spine of the squad, underlining the club’s ambition to establish itself at Premier League level and push on from recent progress.

 

[CrokayVessel]

February 2029:

February proved to be a strong and decisive month for the Swans, with league form gathering real momentum despite a cup setback.

The month kicked off with a narrow but important 1–0 home win over Leeds, setting the tone. That was followed by FA Cup disappointment away at Millwall, where Swansea exited the competition after a 3–2 defeat, undone by fine margins in a frantic tie.

League action quickly got back on track. A hard-fought 1–0 win away at Coventry showed growing defensive resilience, before one of the standout performances of the season arrived at home to Spurs, swept aside 3–0 in a statement victory.

Swansea finished the month strongly on the road, dispatching Fulham 2–0 before closing February with an impressive 2–1 win away at Aston Villa, underlining their ability to compete and win consistently against established Premier League sides.

Table:

 

[CrokayVessel]

Carabao Cup Final:

Slightly rotated starting XI for the final with some players who have earnt their spot during the earlier rounds.

Carabao Cup Final – Match Summary:

Man City 3–2 Swansea | Wembley | 11 March 2029

Swansea came agonizingly close to silverware at Wembley, pushing Manchester City all the way in a thrilling Carabao Cup final before narrowly falling short.

City struck early through Phil Foden before Erling Haaland twice punished moments of defensive vulnerability to give the favorites a 3–1 advantage inside 23 minutes. Despite the scoreline, Swansea were never overawed and matched City punch for punch in an open, high-tempo contest.

The Swans responded superbly. Eom Ji-Sung pulled one back after a slick move, and sustained pressure eventually told when Elliot Galbraith fired home on 75 minutes to set up a tense finale. Swansea finished the stronger side, outworking City (138km covered to 130km) and registering 21 shots to City’s 20, with xG figures (2.74 vs 3.19) underlining just how close the contest was.

Standout performers included Galbraith (8.3) pulling the strings in midfield and Silvetti (7.9) leading the line with real menace, while Jofre and Key impressed defensively against elite opposition.

In the end, City’s early ruthlessness proved decisive, but Swansea leave Wembley with immense credit — a statement performance that showed they belong on the biggest stage and are not far away from major honors.

 

[FM_TNSSO]

Unlucky in that final mate, but getting there so early in your career is an achievement in itself!

 

[CrokayVessel]

March & April 2029:

March was defined by momentum, silverware heartbreak, and a reminder of how far this Swansea side has come. Preparations began positively with emphatic friendly wins over Maidenhead (5–2), Shelbourne (6–1) and Waterford (1–0), keeping sharpness high during a disrupted schedule.

That form carried into the showpiece occasion at Wembley, where Swansea pushed Manchester City all the way in the Carabao Cup Final. Despite a brave performance and genuine chances, the Swans fell 3–2, narrowly missing out on a first major trophy but earning huge credit for matching the champions on the biggest stage.

The league response was immediate and impressive. A 2–1 home win over Newcastle followed, a fitting footnote after the Gaffer’s earlier decision to reject their interest and stay loyal to the Swans.

April brought tougher tests and a shift in rhythm. A 2–0 defeat away at Arsenal underlined the fine margins at the top level, but Swansea bounced back at home with a disciplined 1–0 win over Brighton. The month ended strongly on the road with consecutive away victories at Crystal Palace (2–0) and West Ham (1–0), showing growing maturity and composure in hostile environments.

Table:

All eyes now turn to the final push.
The race for Europe is alive and breathing — and everything is still on the line.

Standing between Swansea and a historic continental finish are four defining tests:
Liverpool. Chelsea. Brentford. Sunderland.

Four matches. Four hurdles. One opportunity to turn belief into legacy.

 

[CallumR]

Looks good mate, unlucky in that Final against City but as someone say, to get there is an achievement. Maybe you can make europe with a Top 8 PL position

 

[CrokayVessel]

May 2029:
Swansea faced the final four with Europe on the line — and answered the challenge.

• Liverpool (A) – A tough effort at Anfield, triumphing 2–0, but belief stayed intact after Brighton's results.
• Chelsea (H) – A tense 0–0 stalemate, discipline over desperation.
• Brentford (H) – Statement made. 4–1 demolition when it mattered most.
• Sunderland (H) – No nerves, no doubt. 2–0 to finish the job in front of the Jack Army.

From pressure to poise, from questions to answers — Swansea closed the season strong when it counted, turning the hunt for Europe into a genuine achievement rather than a hopeful conversation.

The Swans have only gone & done it & qualified for Europe on the back of their league position - a huge effort for all involved & their first time back in Europe since 2013.

Table & Next Years Budget: