By Gareth James
Swansea City fans could be forgiven for getting a little excited after the recruitment of new loan signing Charlie Patino from Arsenal.
The 19-year-old hardly pulled up any trees in terms of results when he was sent out to Blackpool – who were relegated last season – but the devil is in the detail.
Patino managed to get through 34 Championship matches for the Tangerines, so durability does not look a problem, whilst the Swans have a decent record of success when it comes to loan deals from Premier League clubs in London.
Marc Guehi was a hit in defence when he came from Chelsea, Conor Gallagher won rave reviews in midfield when he was sent from Stamford Bridge, and although Tammy Abraham struggled for goals, there was sufficient quality to show he had a bright future.
Josh Ginnelly ✅
Josh Key ✅
Jerry Yates ✅
Carl Rushworth ✅
Harrison Ashby ✅
Mykola Kuharevich ✅
Charlie Patino ✅
Bashir Humphreys 🔜
Nathan Tjoe-A-On 🔜It’s nice to say this, what a transfer window it’s turning out to be for Swansea City.
Thank you, Paul Watson. 🦢 pic.twitter.com/fyeFANiQuW
— Jordan (@JordanWebber96) August 11, 2023
Patino has already been training with the Swans and now the details of his move from Arsenal have been finalised, he is set to figure in the squad at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
“His pedigree speaks for itself with the football club he’s at,” said Swans head coach Michael Duff.
“I know he got relegated with Blackpool, but he’ll be much better for all of the experiences he’s had and hopefully we can benefit from that.”
Swansea drew their opening match, 1-1, at home to Birmingham City last weekend, but were encouraged by the 3-0 thumping they dished out to Northampton in midweek in the Carabao Cup.
Those goals included two for star striker Joel Piroe, who looks likely to stay at the club despite a summer of intense transfer speculation.
After Charlie Patino was added to Swansea City’s ranks, who do you think has the better midfield? 🤔#BBCFootball #Bluebirds #Swans #CardiffCity #SwanseaCity pic.twitter.com/UvwfPE6FX2
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 11, 2023
Cardiff City are also looking for their first Championship victory of the season, when they host QPR at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Bluebirds gave away a two-goal lead at Leeds United on the opening day and then did the same at home to Colchester in the Carabao Cup, before going through on penalties.
Manager Erol Bulut says: “We gave away two soft goals, and those were down to two individual mistakes.
“For this, we have to work a little bit individually to make sure the opponent does not get past us. We have to work on and correct these individual mistakes.”
Bulut still wants to bring in more players in this transfer window, but the club cannot pay fees at present because of their current transfer ban.
“We are working hard on it. It’s not easy to get free players, because we have the ban,” says Bulut.
💙 @joe16led will be joining us in the @RICOHWALES Suite for tomorrow’s fixture against QPR!
Don’t miss out on Joe talking everything @CardiffCityFC with #Bluebirds legend Roger Gibbins prior to kick-off.
Get your tickets now! 📞 0333 11 1921#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/KHfDjVGWnj
— Cardiff City FC Hospitality (@CityHospitality) August 11, 2023
In League Two, both Newport County and Wrexham, are looking to bounce back after opening day defeats.
County are at home to Doncaster Rovers with manager Graham Coughlan still eager to add to his squad following Sam Bowen’s loan switch to Wealdstone.
Wrexham are on the road for the first time in League Two, at AFC Wimbledon, hoping to make amends for their opening day 5-3 defeat at home to MK Dons.
Star striker Paul Mullin is still recovering from a punctured lung, so will not be available, but manager Phil Parkinson believes he has adequate options to cover the absence of last season’s top scorer.
“We have got a competitive squad and it is about when you get a chance, that they prove they want to stay in the team,” said Parkinson.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says he has no intention of selling any members of his squad to leave during the transfer window ⚽️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/TDOsow6PMl
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 10, 2023
