Swansea City's search for a new sporting director appears to be over, but there remains plenty of work ahead this summer. Vitor Matos is set to enjoy his first full pre-season with a squad that showed potential but ultimately finished mid-table in the Championship.
Winger Priority
The transfer window offers a chance to strengthen key areas, with a winger—ideally two—at the top of the wishlist. Matos is eager for more goal contributions from wide positions, having previously tried to address this by loaning Brentford's Gustavo Nunes. The Brazilian managed just one assist during his stint with the Swans.
Last season, Ronald, Eom Jisung, and Zeidane Inoussa combined for only six goals and nine assists. If Swansea aim to challenge for promotion, these numbers must improve.
Previous Targets
Swansea considered several options in January before settling on Nunes, including Liel Abada and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Matos openly admired Rak-Sakyi, saying: "Rak-Sakyi is a good player. He had an impact with Sheffield United and Charlton. He's someone really interesting." A loan deal was reportedly agreed with Crystal Palace, but the player rejected it, joining Stoke City instead, where he scored three times in 15 games.
New Opportunity
Rak-Sakyi has returned to Palace with one year left on his contract and is expected to move again this summer. Swansea may revisit their interest, especially with the anticipated arrival of sporting director Ben Stevens, who worked with the 23-year-old at Selhurst Park as assistant sporting director.
Palace originally demanded £20 million for the winger last summer, but with his contract expiring, the price has likely dropped significantly. Stevens could help sell the project to the player and provide insight into the package Palace might seek.
Rak-Sakyi's next move remains uncertain, but Swansea's new sporting director might reopen the door for a transfer this summer.
