After Bournemouth, it is now Swansea City who are on the verge of losing their key player in mid-season. As per reports, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is looking to make a move for 31-year-old Swansea forward Fernando Llorente. The striker is keen to make a move to Stamford Bridge for obvious reasons and Swansea City will have to find a potential replacement for him fast.
Although Llorente hasn’t had any stellar performances so far in the first half of the Premier League, there is no denying his talent and experience. His stint at Juventus, when Conte was the manager, was a fruitful one and the Italian manager wishes to rework the magic with the Blues. Diego Costa has been phenomenal, but he is the only reliable option Chelsea have up front and Conte wants to change that.
T4O looks at 3 options Swansea City can go for if Llorente leaves for Stamford Bridge.
Michy Batshuayi
This would easily be the option for Swansea City to go for at the moment. Clearly, Llorente is not a long-term replacement at Chelsea and they would definitely prefer a loan move for him rather than buy a 31-year-old striker, who is an unproven English football prospect, on a permanent basis. And Swansea could definitely use this chance to get the Belgian on a loan move as a swap for Llorente.
Batshuayi is easily a better striker than Llorente can ever be in Swansea and will definitely start every game under Paul Clement. He is fast, skilled and a tremendous long shot taker. His first team chances have been scarce at Chelsea and it would be a great move for Batshuayi to get his Premier League career up and running.
Saido Berahino
Berahino’s current deal with the Hawthorns expires at the end of the season and boss Tony Pulis will have to cash in now if he wants to squeeze something out of the sale of the exiled striker. Although his lack of Premier League games this season will keep him in a disadvantageous position, there is no denying his ability to score.
He can play both as the centre forward and on the wings and is known for his brilliant finishing ability. A West Bromwich academy product, Berahino is one of the hottest prospects this January and if Swansea do have to sell Llorente, then Berahino could be an effective option.
Jordan Rhodes
Yet another player, who hasn’t featured in the Premier League much this season, Jordan Rhodes is looking for a destination where he could play in the first team regularly. He was a sensation in the Championship and played a big role in helping Middlesbrough into the Premier League. However, Aitor Karanka doesn’t seem to have much faith in him now and their recent buying of Rudy Gestede has further cemented his departure. Rhodes comes in the region of around £60k-a-week wage and Swansea could more or less afford that.
