How much?
This one took everyone back a little bit, as Michael Laudrup got his calculator out and did the math.
Turns out Swansea need to splash the cash this summer if they want success again next season.
Laudrup excelled in his first season in charge of the Swans, winning the League Cup and finishing ninth in the EPL. With many calling it the best season in the clubs 101 year history.
But Laudrup’s assessment of the road ahead is a pretty damning one.
Though it is pretty realistic.
Unless we find a couple of hundred million pounds I think last season we achieved nearly the maximum we can in terms of the table. There are always things you can improve, but there are not many higher positions we can look at. Even consolidating is going to be very difficult.
He’s got a point.
Many thought Swansea would plummet after Brendan Rodgers left for Liverpool and Laudrup arrived without ever managing in England. But the Welsh side were flying in the first half of the season, before taking their foot off the gas in the last few months after winning their first-ever major trophy in February.
(More: Will the rise of Swansea City continue in 2013-14?)
Laudrup has already stated he wants to strengthen up front to take some of the burden off Michu. So a large chunk of cash could be spent on that. But is $300 million too much investment in the squad? Of course it is.
But huge sums of money will be spent elsewhere. Last month Swansea announced plans to expand the Liberty Stadium by 11,000, as it will be one of the smallest EPL stadiums next season.
With the whole city rallying behinds Swansea’s charge up the Premier League table, everything is in place for Laudrup to build the side into an EPL force, should he stay at Swansea after several tempting offers in England and abroad.
With Europa League football coming to Wales next season, exciting times lie ahead. But will the $300 million needed arrive and help Laudrup build a soccer dynasty in South Wales? I wouldn’t hold your breath. Swansea are a prudently run club who have faced financial difficulties before.
Spending sensibly and planning ahead has served them well, but maybe they should throw $100 million at it. Just for fun.
Maybe then a place in the top six will come calling?
