Swansea City’s biggest concern this season has been their defence. Despite managing to outscore Liverpool in their last league game, Paul Clement cannot only depend on his attack to get the job done for him.
The South Wales club have conceded a staggering 51 goals in 22 games so far, which is the worst defensive record in the Premier League. Although the new boss has brought in Martin Olsson from Norwich City to beef up his back line, it will not be sufficient if the club is aiming to survive relegation.
Swansea could never really fill the gap left by Ashley Williams when he moved to Everton and the club are paying the price for it. Except for Federico Fernandez, Clement has Van der Hoorn as the only decent option in the central defence, but the former Ajax man has been mostly employed in the defensive midfield this season. The other two options, Jordi Amat and Alfie Mawson, have failed to make any mark till now.
And Clement is looking to add a partner alongside Fernandez at the back. Sources close to the club have told ESPN FC that they are in talks with Benfica over a loan deal for defender Lisandro Ezequiel Lopez.
The Argentine has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Benfica side this season with Victor Lindelof and Luisao being the preferred centre-back pairing at the Estadio da Luz. However, it is worth noting that in the seven appearances he has got so far, he has put in more than decent performances.
The 27-year-old has started in just five Portuguese Primeira Liga games and could be tempted by regular first-team football. However, Clement has to more than just persuade the player to leave his Champions League playing side to join a relegation threatened side. Hence, only a loan move seems feasible at the moment.
Lopez joined Benfica from Argentina club side Arsenal de Sarandi back in 2013 but has failed to establish himself as a regular starter. A centre-back by nature, Lopez’s strengths are his perfectly timed tackles and his immense concentration in the game. At 187cm, he is a huge threat in the air and often scores from set-pieces. His strengths could be a significant attribute in the Premier League.
We think a loan move should go through as Lindelof seems destined to leave the Portuguese side next transfer window amidst huge interest from Manchester United and Chelsea. And Benfica would like to keep Lopez as a backup for next season.
