Head coach Vitor Matos has suggested the Swans’ recent January recruit and former Crystal Palace right-back may now be required to provide cover, as the Swans prepare for Saturday’s Championship clash with Birmingham City amid growing defensive uncertainty.
The recall of Kaelan Casey by West Ham halfway through his season-long loan, coupled with the potential departure of Ricardo Santos, has forced Swansea into reassessing their options at the back — and Matos admitted Ward’s versatility was a significant factor behind his short-term arrival at the club.
Casey returned to his parent club earlier this week after West Ham decided his development required a different pathway – probably at a League One club where we will play more regularly.
That leaves Matos’s men lighter in central defence just as the transfer window enters a critical phase.
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“Yeah, so Casey went back to West Ham, it's already done,” Matos confirmed.
“West Ham had a decision to call him back, and now it's about what's the best for Casey, I think. Playing more games, what is the best decision that he and West Ham can have about it.”
Although Casey had featured more in recent weeks, Matos accepted the realities of loan football and stressed Swansea’s focus has now shifted firmly to solutions rather than frustration.
“When it comes to the window, with loan players, young players, potential players in terms of development, it's always about expectations where they are in terms of development, what the club or the mother club wants as well for him,” he said.
“That's what was decided, and we are now moving forward from that.”
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That movement forward may now involve Ward being asked to step into less familiar territory.
Signed primarily as a right-back, the experienced defender can also operate as a centre-half — particularly in a back five.
“One of the major reasons why we signed him was because he can play like he did in Crystal Palace as a right centre-half in back five, over the left side as well,” Matos explained.
“So, he has that understanding of the game, that tactical culture, which is really good for us.”
With Santos also attracting interest from Reading, Swansea’s centre-back depth could be tested further before the window closes.
“Ricardo had an offer from Reading, but so far nothing to confirm,” Matos said.
“I think it's always about having the best solution for everyone, in this case the player, the club we want and the club we have.”
Santos has endured a stop-start spell in south Wales, limited by injuries before and after Matos’ arrival, and the head coach acknowledged the need to consider the defender’s long-term future.
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“He had a bad injury that limited his adaptability to the team,” Matos added.
“Then he got a few knocks as well, so it's always about what he can have for his future.”
Despite those uncertainties, Matos insisted Swansea are not panicking, pointing to internal options and stressing that any January addition must raise standards rather than simply add numbers.
“We are always looking at the market, seeing what we can bring, what makes sense for us,” he said.
“The most important thing is that we need to improve the squad and that's the best criteria we can have.
Away from transfer matters, Swansea head into Saturday’s home fixture buoyed by strong form at the Swansea.com Stadium, where they are aiming for a fifth successive league win — a run not achieved for over a decade.
Birminghamwill present a stern test, according to Matos who added: “They are a very organised team with a clear pressing identity and significant squad depth.”
