Where Swans are looking to strengthen and the deal that could change everything

Swansea City are gearing up for what is likely to be a very important summer transfer window, their first under current boss Vitor Matos - and work has already begun.

The Portuguese coach has already insisted Swansea will not embark on the sort of major upheaval seen in previous summers. But it seems the Swans are lining up what could well be a fairly busy window, as Matos looks to assemble a squad capable of building on the foundations laid under is stewardship in the second half of last season.

At the heart of defence, City are keen to increase the competition behind first-choice pairing Ben Cabango and Cameron Burgess, the latter of whom played every minute of the 2025/26 campaign.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Follow Wales Online’s Swansea City FB page for more news and analysis

They are particularly interested in recruiting a right-sided centre-back that is both comfortable in possession and dominant in the air.

An experienced option appears to be preferred, but the Swans are understood to be open to a younger profile if they happen to tick the necessary boxes in terms of attributes.

An option that can play on the left side of the central pairing would clearly be the ideal.

Similarly, the Swans are keen for a back-up option to Josh Tymon on the left side of the back four next season.

It's believed they are likely to look for a younger, athletic option capable of offering an attacking threat down the left-hand side.

Finding someone to effectively play second fiddle to Tymon, undoubtedly one of Swansea's most important performers, could prove a tricky assignment. But it's obvious they will need some sort of back-up option heading into the new season.

The returning Filip Lissah could well emerge as a potential solution given he's capable of playing at left-back and at the heart of defence.

That said, the youngster's most natural position is believed to be right-back, and Matos will likely need to assess the Czechia under-21s international to see where he could potentially fit in.

In terms of attacking options, wingers on both sides are near the top of the wishlist.

The counter-pressing style under Matos means any prospective arrival will need to be aggressive on the press and strong defensively, while it probably goes without saying that they also need to have the technical ability to deliver goal contributions.

A lack of end product and a weakness in one-on-one situations have previously been cited as key weaknesses within Swansea's current crop of widemen, and they are now keen on adding some more quality on both flanks this summer.

In terms of budget, the early indications suggest there is money to spend should the right player become available, while the club are also open to exploring the loan market over the coming weeks.

Of course, the landscape could well change significantly in the event of an outgoing or two, the most obvious being star striker Zan Vipotnik.

The Slovenian's departure would surely accelerate the need for another striker. But given the club's valuation, which is believed to be around £20m, it would also potentially give Swansea more leeway in terms of the business they are able to do to construct other areas of the squad.

Adam Idah is viewed as a viable first-choice option should Vipotnik depart, but there would clearly be a strong case to recruit someone capable of deputising.

All of this, of course, comes against the backdrop of the club's search for a new sporting director, which is continuing to drag on.

As things stands, the club are still assessing their options, and at the time of writing there's been no indication on when an appointment might be made.

Matos has already insisted the search will not impact the club's dealings in the market, but it nevertheless seems likely that an incoming candidate will have their own ideas over what might be needed this summer.