Swansea turn to seasoned Prem pro to end striker woe
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Having staved off relegation thanks to a late-season rally, Swansea are looking to a Premier League veteran as they bid to make a move up the table.
That man is none other than Peter Crouch, with the press this week linking the Stoke forward and the Swans in a £3m move.
The former Liverpool man may not be the answer to Swansea’s 20-goal a season striker problem, but there’s little doubting his Premier League experience would be a welcome asset at the Liberty Stadium.
So if Francesco Guidolin can’t find the next free-scoring sensation, then a big target man – and they don’t come bigger than Crouch – could be the way forward for the Swans.
It could still be a B-plan should the Swans land a recognised forward, but whatever role Crouch plays, he would be an improvement on the current roster of strikers in Wales.
Bafetimbi Gomis faded rapidly after a bright start last season, and failed to really lead the line, while Marvin Enmes and Euro 2016 hero Eder barely featured.
Crouch’s time at the Britannia Stadium looks all but over, with the 35-year-old making just 11 league appearances under Mark Hughes last season, having made at least 30 in each of the previous four campaigns.
With 96 Premier League goals to his name though – including the odd wonder strike – there’s much more to Crouch’s game than the target man role.
But it’s that main asset – his hold up and link play – which could really benefit Swansea’s shining light last season – Andre Ayew.
The winger top-scored for the club last term with 12 league goals, and his intelligent movement and pace could really benefit from the guile and experience Crouch could bring.
Gylfi Sigurdsson too – who hit 11 strikes last season – is another who could find the ex-Tottenham man to be a welcome arrival.
Signing Crouch won’t turn the club into European football contenders, but it would be a welcome step in the right direction. As is often the case with the big man, Swansea would be looking upwards.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
