West Brom might just have completely knocked Leeds United out of the race for Swansea City defender, Kyle Bartley as they contacted the Welsh outfit with an official bid this past week. This comes as a shock to most Whites fans who have been anticipating the return of their previous loan-star on a permanent deal this summer.
It has also been reported that Bartley had let it be known to the Swans hierarchy that he wishes to make a switch to Elland Road after the club’s relegation from the Premier League. However, City have been reluctant to sell him due to their troubled relations with the centre-half duo, Alfie Mawson and Federico Fernandez.
Reports claim that the Mawson and Fernandez no longer wish to be a part of the club’s future in the EFL Championship and are willing to be traded off elsewhere. Swansea might not have much trouble selling them off, with the amount of interest that continues to rise with each passing day but will surely feel the pinch when trying to find their replacement.
Bartley was hardly a sporadic option for the club during the past 6 seasons at the Liberty Stadium and was most recognized on his loan spells away from the club. So far, the Englishman has just 38 senior team appearances for City with a contract set to run until the summer of 2021.
However, with both Mawson and Fernandez potentially leaving Swansea for greener top-flight pastures, a very prominent role could open up for Bartley under Graham Potter. Mike van der Hoorn and Jordi Amat are the only other registered options in the centre-back position with the Swans ready to make additions in other positions.
The sole reason why his heart is set on a move to Elland Road is due to his remarkable loan spell in the 2016/17 season. Bartley made a staggering 50 appearances for the club in a single season and also delivered with 6 goals and 2 assists on the offensive end to help the Peacocks make a run for promotion.
Not only was he named in a couple of EFL Championship Team Of The Week awards, Bartley seemingly looked like the perfect fit in the Peacocks backline. A shocking comparison is this past season, when he got to make just 12 appearances for the Swans in their troubled run through relegation.
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With Marco Bielsa taking over the reigns at West Yorkshire, Leeds have still not contacted Swansea City with a convincing offer. This has allowed a rivaling side to swoop in and get their man for relatively cheap, especially with no competition to bring out a bidding war.
