Aston Villa and Leeds United were said to be keen on separate Swansea City players in January.
Swansea City’s Championship rivals, Aston Villa and Leeds United, could yet have the last laugh after failing to prise separate targets from the Liberty Stadium in January.
Villa are said to have baulked at Swansea’s £10 million asking price for the Dutch international centre-back, Mike van der Hoorn (Sun), while Leeds saw their own £10 million move for the Welsh international winger, Daniel James, collapse at the 11th hour (Telegraph).
But according to Wales Online, Swansea have worryingly informed staff that they are facing redundancy as the club ‘contin(ues) to see its income reducing’ after failing to bounce back from last season’s relegation.
And although communicated to those outside of the Welsh side’s first-team squad, it might well have a universal impact – particularly with player sales arguably the most effective way to generate swift funds.
In the case of Van der Hoorn – who one suspects is among Swansea’s highest earners having joined while the club was established in the Premier League – the Jacks could yet decide it is better to release the 26-year-old than exercise the one-year extension option his expiring contract is said to contain.
Either way, it is safe to say that if Aston Villa are to pursue a summer deal for Van der Hoorn, it would be one far cheaper than what was quoted in January. And James’ price could also come down, as the youngster – who was said to have done everything required to join Leeds on deadline day – enters the final year of his Swansea contract.
How Swansea, not least those staff who face losing their jobs, might regret the club’s decision to dig their heels in January.
Fans of Aston Villa and Leeds United – should your club return for their Swansea targets this summer?