Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos has stressed the need for measured recruitment this summer, warning against a repeat of the squad overhauls that have marked recent transfer windows.
The Swans signed 12 players in the 2023 summer window, eight in 2024, and 13 in the 2023 window — a pattern Matos is keen to break.
"It's not about changing 14 players and getting 14 new ones — the base is there, the foundations are here," Matos said. "It's quite clear the need for depth in the squad, and we need to take care of that. We want to improve what we have."
Departures to shape incomings
The scale of summer business will depend on outgoings. Three of Swansea's four loanees — Ishe Samuels-Smith, Malick Yalcouye, and Gustavo Nunes — are expected to return to their parent clubs and are unlikely to return. Leo Walta, however, will complete a permanent move from his loan spell.
Only two senior players, defender Joel Ward and third-choice goalkeeper Paul Farman, are out of contract. Matos says "everything is still on the table" regarding their futures.
Star striker Zan Vipotnik is likely to attract bids after scoring 27 goals this season. Matos confirmed that "proper money" — reportedly around £15 million — would be needed to sell the Slovenia international.
Ethan Galbraith is in contract negotiations, and Josh Tymon and Lawrence Vigouroux have also impressed, potentially drawing interest. Matos hopes to retain most key performers.
Transfer targets
Defensive reinforcements are a priority after Samuels-Smith's departure and Kaelan Casey's exit. However, the emergence of Sam Parker and Filip Lissah's return from loan could fill gaps.
Central midfield is well stocked, but Matos wants more physicality. A wide player is needed with Nunes leaving, and further additions could be made given the lack of goal threat from the flanks. Up front, Adam Idah and Liam Cullen provide options, though Vipotnik's potential sale would create a need.
Owners' vision and pre-season focus
Matos praised the club's owners for a "clear vision" aligned with his own, noting his contract runs until 2029. He stressed that mass changes would undo the progress made since his November appointment.
"The best transfer of the summer will be pre-season together," Matos said, highlighting the lack of training time during the congested Championship schedule. "It doesn't mean you'll win all games, but it creates basics to be closer to success — and when a storm comes, you find a way out."
Matos: "We had a transfer window with more limitations in January. Now it's a little bit different, so let's see how it goes."