Gylfi Sigurdsson is the jewel in Swansea City’s crown who manager Francesco Guidolin feared would be stolen.
The Icelandic midfielder is set to start for the Swans at home to Hull City on Saturday after he began on the bench in last week’s opening Premier League win at Burnley.
But Guidolin has revealed he was concerned Sigurdsson might follow Ashley Williams and Andre Ayew in leaving the Liberty Stadium after the Icelander had inspired his country to make the Euro 2016 quarter-finals in France.
Instead, the player signed a new four-year contract and Guidolin says: “It was very important to see him sign a new contract. He is one of the best No10s in the Premier League and the world.
“He is not 100 per cent yet but he is almost ready, maybe he will play 70 minutes against Hull.
“He is a unique player, a one-off and so important for us. Keeping him was one of the best bits of business for us this summer, it is very good business for us.
“I was worried after the Euros that clubs would come in with a lot of money, but I knew he wanted to stay here which was great for me to hear and it was so important for our club.
“I think he and Fernando (Llorente) can be good together, but Gylfi could also play well if we use Borja (Baston) and Fernando.
“We have a lot of possible solutions. It is important for me to know Borja better. People have said to me, and I have seen clips, that he is a good player. But for a manager it is important to work with him on the pitch, to know a player is very, very important.”
Sigurdsson came off the bench in the win at Burnley and is set to be involved again along with South Korean Ki Sung-yueng after his international and military service over the summer.
But Wales defender Neil Taylor is again omitted to build up his fitness after the Euros, while Baston misses out on making his debut after picking up a leg muscle injury in training.
Hull will look to build on their shock opening-day win over Leicester when they travel to Swansea on Saturday.
The Tigers put a turbulent summer behind them to beat the Premier league champions, 2-1, last weekend and start with a victory on their return to the top-flight.
They will still be without several first-team players for their trip to Wales and are yet to make any signings in the transfer window.
However, caretaker manager Mike Phelan said: “We are trying to work together to try to improve things at this club. It’s not easy.”
