Swansea only need to sign a centre-back, says Francesco Guidolin
Thursday 11 August 2016 16:59, UK
Francesco Guidolin says Swansea now only need to sign a central defender after £15.5m record-signing Borja Baston joined on Thursday.
Baston is the Swans' sixth summer signing and the second striker to join in the last week after Fernando Llorente arrived on a two-year deal from Sevilla.
Guidolin indicated Baston will not be in the starting line-up to face Burnley in their Premier League opener on Saturday, but thinks the 23-year-old can have a big part to play this season.
"The future is in his hands. He is here to help us improve week after week, and for him to have the possibility to play.
"I am happy to have him here as one of our players, and I am also happy with the group we have.
"I think Borja can justify his price tag. He was expensive, but I think he is a good signing. I think it's a good deal for us."
Former captain Ashley Williams left for Premier League rivals Everton on Wednesday, and Guidolin admitted he will need to dip into the market for a new defender.
Williams played 36 Premier League games for the Welsh club last season and although the new campaign is set to begin this weekend Guidolin will not rush to buy a replacement.
"We need a new central defender, although I am happy with my group and there is no rush," he said.
"We almost have two teams, with two players in each position, and that's good for me.
"But I am speaking with the chairman about a new centre-back. We have a shortlist, but there's no rush and right now the focus is on our first game against Burnley.
"For me we only need one more signing - a central defender."
Guidolin, who confirmed Leon Britton will be the club captain after Williams' exit, spoke highly of the departing Williams and believes he was right not to stand in the way of a move to Everton.
"I want to say something about Ash. He was very important for me when I arrived for my first experience of the Premier League," Guidolin added.
"I would like to thank him for the help he gave me. He was a real captain and I respect his decision to leave for a new challenge.
"When a player wants a new challenge, it is correct to respect his decision. I knew there was interest from Everton but I decided to stay out. I believe when a player decides to go, it's better to let him go."
