Swansea City’s Failed Attempt to Sign Siriki Dembele Confirmed by Williams

Luke Williams, Swansea City’s head coach, has confirmed that the club’s attempt to acquire winger Siriki Dembele during the summer transfer window was unsuccessful, as Dembele ultimately signed with Oxford United. The 28-year-old Dembele completed his transfer to Oxford at the close of August. Oxford United reportedly paid Birmingham City an undisclosed sum, estimated to be around £1 million, for the player who previously played for Bournemouth and Peterborough. Swansea had been associated with Dembele during that period, and Williams, who had expressed a desire to recruit a wide player before the August transfer deadline, stated that Dembele was among their targets. Swansea’s head coach affirmed, “There was [truth in the links].” He further commented, “We weren’t able to reach a deal. I think is a very good player, a very accomplished player.” When questioned about whether Oxford, returning to the second tier after a 25-year absence, had surpassed Swansea financially, Williams responded, “I can’t tell you what they offered him because I don’t know.” He continued, “Maybe the player just preferred the club or the manager. But I know we were not in the running in the end.” Williams also expressed his admiration for another of Oxford’s offensive players, Ruben Rodrigues, stating he is “very fond” of him, having previously collaborated with him at Notts County. Furthermore, he holds Josh McEachran, a former Swansea loanee for United whom Williams coached at MK Dons, in high regard. However, a reunion with Polish winger Prezmyslaw Placheta appears improbable when Swansea visits Oxford on Saturday, as Placheta is currently dealing with an injury. Williams remarked, “I know there are some very high-quality players there.” He added, “They are a good example of a club being well run and coping with the step up in level very well.”