Championship side Swansea City are set to see off competition from ambitious League One side Huddersfield Town and second tier rival Charlton Athletic in their pursuit of a £3million third tier target.
The Swans have been reasonably active in the transfer window, adding the likes of Zeidane Inoussa and Bobby Wales amongst others whilst also seeing bids rejected for in-demand players such as Lincoln City’s Ethan Erhahon.
But it would appear that their business is not over yet as they close in on the signing of Leyton Orient star Ethan Galbraith, who had been a target for Huddersfield Town and Charlton Athletic.
Swansea had previously attempted to secure his signature, with a “seven figure” big having been rejected in the winter transfer window. But failed in their attempts as Orient pushed for promotion.
Then as the summer transfer window opened, Charlton Athletic saw a bid in the region of £1.3million rejected. This was followed up just a few days later with a £2.5million bid from Huddersfield Town, although the reported value of this was later disputed and is understood to be closer to £1.5million plus add-ons.
How have Swansea City Beaten Huddersfield Town and Charlton Athletic to Ethan Galbraith?
Leyton Orient have been firm in their £3million valuation of Galbraith, he is one of their key players who was instrumental in the club’s rise up the table last season. Charlton and Huddersfield have tested their resolve with sizable bids, but did not come close to the club’s valuation.
Now, according to Alan Nixon (paywall), Swansea are willing to meet that valuation, albeit through a fee plus add-ons. They are willing to pay a fee in the region of £2 million guaranteed, plus an achievable £1million in extras. This is thought to be enough to persuade the League One side to sell and the lure of Championship football is attractive to the Northern Irishman.
The attraction of playing football in a higher league has all but ruled Huddersfield Town out of the race and Charlton are unable/unwilling to match the valuation that has been demanded this summer.
Ethan Galbraith – In Stats
Ethan Galbraith has been one of the standout performers in League One, appearing 48 times across all competitions, scoring sit goals, assisting eight and picking up an average SofaScore rating of 7.06.
| Matches Played | 48 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 8 |
| SofaScore Rating | 7.06 |
| Minutes Played | 3816 |
| MOTM | 3 |
| Current Club | Leyton Orient |
| Interested Clubs | Swansea City, Huddersfield Town, Charlton Athletic |
Journalist’s View
The player has more than earned a shot at the Championship, but Leyton Orient are completely within their right to ask for a big fee. He has been one of the stand out performers in League One last season and will likely go on to improve further in the future. He will be difficult to replace, his quality, attitude and determination on the pitch is not east to come by.
Whilst Huddersfield Town are in League One there will always been an uphill battle to attract some of the stars to either drop down or remain in League One, especially when clubs can offer second tier football and last season shows that there is no guarantee that they will be able to offer that in the near future. Charlton tried, but the valuation was too high which has left the door open for Swansea City, who now look likely to add the talented player to their squad this summer transfer window.
Watch the latest episode of League One Lowdown where hosts Sam and Callum give a rundown on the latest transfers from across the third tier this summer so far.