The Swansea Way 🦢🦢🦢

[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.

 

[leckuno]

new signings have definitely made an impact. gutting about the final though for you

 

[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:

 

[CrokayVessel]

Pre Season Report:

Swansea’s summer programme was all about rhythm, resilience and refinement — and the results mostly followed.

The Swans started sharply at home, brushing aside Torquay (3–1) and Bray Wanderers (3–0) before hitting sterner continental tests. A narrow defeat to FC Twente (2–1) and a draw with Go Ahead Eagles (1–1) offered early tactical lessons, quickly applied in a confident 4–2 win over ADO Den Haag. Back in Wales, Dundee were edged out 2–1, rounding off July with momentum.

August turned the volume up. Entertaining victories against Antwerp (3–2), Saint-Étienne (3–1) and Auxerre (4–1) showcased attacking depth and sharp combinations. A heavyweight clash with Real Madrid ended in a 3–2 defeat, but performance matched reputation. The summer closed emphatically with a dominant 4–0 win over Shelbourne.

Across the tour, goals flowed, minutes were shared, and the squad emerged sharper — tested against variety, strengthened by adversity, and ready to carry belief into the competitive season ahead.

Transfers:

Out:

In:

Swansea dipped into the Mexican market to secure Bryan González, a sharp, left-sided attacker entering his prime at 26. Comfortable as a wide forward or attacking midfielder, González brings pace, balance and directness, with strong dribbling, crossing and technique making him a natural outlet on the left flank.

Equally happy hugging the touchline or driving inside, his off-the-ball movement and work rate suit Swansea’s high-tempo approach. At £6.25m, this feels like smart business — a ready-made squad option with the quality to push for a starting role and add depth as the Swans look to compete on multiple fronts.

Swansea moved decisively to trigger the release clause for Hansel Villareal, snapping up one of South America’s most exciting young defenders at just 19 years old. Comfortable at centre-back or defensive midfield, the Colombian stands out for his composure, decision-making and positional sense, traits well beyond his years.

Physically strong, two-footed and aggressive without being reckless, Villareal profiles as a modern defender capable of stepping into midfield and building play from deep. He’ll remain at León on loan for the season, allowing him to continue his development with regular football, but this is very much a future-first signing — one that could anchor Swansea’s spine for years to come.

Swansea add creativity and flair with the signing of Mattheus Alves, a 24-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder brought in for £8 million. Entering his prime, Alves offers a blend of technical quality, vision and attacking intelligence, giving the Swans a new edge between the lines.

Comfortable operating centrally or drifting into pockets of space, he’s expected to link midfield and attack, unlock compact defences and contribute consistently in the final third. A shrewd piece of business that strengthens the squad now, while still carrying plenty of upside.

Swansea strengthen between the posts with the signing of Pascal Loretz, securing the Chelsea goalkeeper for £12.25 million. A modern shot-stopper with strong fundamentals, Loretz brings Premier League pedigree, composure under pressure and reliability at the back.

Comfortable with the ball at his feet and confident commanding his area, he’s expected to add stability to the defensive unit and push standards across the squad. A statement addition that underlines the Swans’ ambition moving forward.

Swansea continue to invest at the back with the capture of Mikayil Faye, landing the Rennes centre-back for £17.75 million. Powerful, athletic and composed, Faye arrives as a defender built for the Premier League’s physical and tactical demands.

Strong in duels and assured in possession, he adds pace, presence and progression from defence, giving the Swans a long-term pillar at the heart of the back line. A bold signing that reinforces Swansea’s intent to compete at the next level.