Latest news with #LewisO'Brien
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tom Brady's Birmingham join transfer race for Nottingham Forest midfielder but will have to stump up £8million
NOTTINGHAM FOREST have set their price for in-demand midfielder Lewis O'Brien amid interest from a slew of Championship clubs. Southampton, Hull and 3 Lewis O'Brien is attracting interest from across the Championship this summer Credit: Getty Forest want £8million O'Brien, a figure that could cool the interest of those monitoring him. O'Brien shone on loan at Swansea last season, where he made 16 Championship appearances after making the switch in the winter window. But his eye-catching performances may have worked against him as Forest now chase a bigger fee big fee. Hull have already launched an approach at £5m and may up their offer to land him. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL O'Brien is in the last year of his deal at Forest having joined the club back in 2022. His time at The City Ground has been a frustrating one, making just 17 first-team appearances since arriving from Instead, O'Brien has had to settle for minutes elsewhere - heading on loan to four separate clubs since his move. Those temporary switches have included spells in the Championship with Most read in Football 3 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS O'Brien left the door open for a return to Swansea at the end of last season. He said: "I have really enjoyed my time here. It's never out of the question [returning], but sometimes it's not in my hands, especially having to go back to my parent club. Tom Brady and Tom Wagner branded 'embarrassment' for Wembley antics after Birmingham's cup final defeat to Peterborough "We will see what the summer holds. It's never say never really." Meanwhile Swans manager Alan Sheehan also made it clear he would love O'Brien back in South Wales. He said: "The effect he has had on the place, he has been exceptional. I cannot speak highly enough about him and I make no secret of that. "If he is available, should you try to re-sign him? I think that's quite an obvious answer." 3
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's Swansea City news as rivals source O'Brien alternative and ex-Swans hero released
Tonight's Swansea City news as rivals source O'Brien alternative and ex-Swans hero released The latest news from the Stadium Lewis O'Brien (Image: Ashley Crowden/REX/Shutterstock ) Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Friday, June 27. Hull source O'Brien alternative Hull City reportedly remain firmly in the race for former Swansea City loanee Lewis O'Brien this summer - but could yet look elsewhere should a deal become too problematic. O'Brien has been on the radar of a host of Championship clubs this summer, having enjoyed a hugely impressive six-month loan spell with the Swans last season. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. Swansea would love to have the midfielder back for another stint next season, but their hopes of winning the race appear to be slim. The Tigers, in contrast, look to be among the leading contenders for his signature, having held talks over the last few weeks. But according to our colleagues at Hull Live, the financial package required to get a deal done could still prove a stumbling block. Article continues below Sources close to negotiations have told WalesOnline that an offer believed to be worth 'in and around' £5m is on the table from the Tigers, while one other Championship club is also believed to have launched a bid. That prospective price tag has been disputed by reports on Humberside, but it seems there's still some confidence a deal could get done. Nevertheless, Hull could yet look at other options, with a player based in Europe also believed to be on the radar. Indeed, the mystery player is believed to have already held talks with owner Acun Ilicali and head coach Sergej Jakirovic. Ogbeta joins Barnsley Former Swansea City defender Nathanael Ogbeta has signed for Plymouth Argyle on a season-long loan. The 24-year-old is getting married this weekend, but is set to miss his honeymoon to join up with his new team-mates this week. "Currently, I'm in London because I'm getting married at the weekend. But I'm excited to join the lads next week and get started," he told the club website. Reds boss Conor Hourihane, himself a former Swan, added: "He has good EFL experience for a player of his age, and he brings depth to the squad, which is essential." Ogbeta joined the Swans from Shrewsbury in 2022, but played just three games for the club before leaving on a free transfer last summer. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone. Borini released Former Swansea City cult hero Fabio Borini is a free agent this summer after leaving Italian side Sampdoria. The striker, who scored six goals in 12 games for the Swans during a loan spell in 2011, joined the fallen Italian giants on a free transfer back in 2023. Content cannot be displayed without consent He since netted 10 goals in 38 games, with Sampdoria narrowly preserving their Serie B status last season following a chaotic play-off with Salernitana. Article continues below The club haven't yet made an official announcement, but Nicolò Schira has claimed the 34-year-old is now set to depart.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Swansea City's plan for the rest of the transfer window explained as wishlist emerges
Swansea City's plan for the rest of the transfer window explained as wishlist emerges The Swans still have plenty of work to do before the start of the season Oli McBurnie is a player on Swansea's radar this summer Swansea City's transfer window is firmly up and running, but there's clearly plenty more work to be done before the first ball is kicked on August 9. For the second season in a row, Swansea open their campaign with a trip to Middlesbrough, but a fair amount has changed since last year's curtain-raiser. Not only is there a new man in the hot-seat, but there's also likely to be a different look to the XI that takes to the field at the Riverside in a couple of months' time. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. Five players have already come on board, while a total of 10 players have departed, and those numbers are likely to increase further before the close of the window. As things stand, it's understood a central midfielder is currently near the top of Swansea's wishlist, preferably one capable of playing in the six. Lewis O'Brien was clearly a figure of keen interest, but as expected the finances are proving tricky for the Swans, who are predictably facing stiff competition from elsewhere. Article continues below A host of second tier clubs, and even Spanish giants Valencia, have taken an interest in the 26-year-old, whose future remains up in the air. Sources claim Hull City and one other Championship club have already launched a bid for the Nottingham Forest man, and it's claimed the value of the Tigers' bid stands at around £5m. Swansea will clearly struggle to match any offer in that sort of ballpark, while Richard Montague himself admitted that O'Brien would command 'Premier League wages'. It may well be the club move on to other targets. Empoli's Liam Henderson and Yokohama's Jean Claude have previously been mentioned as possibilities by reports elsewhere, while there's also been some lingering interest in Ethan Galbraith at Leyton Orient, although it seems he's not regarded as a top priority at this stage. Melker Widell is set to come in, but the need for reinforcements at the heart of midfield will likely accelerate should a departure or two materialise. There's already been interest in star man Goncalo Franco, while Jay Fulton has similarly been tipped for a possible exit before the window's out. Elsewhere, the club are also bracing themselves for a potential offer for winger Ronald, who's been linked with several sides in his native Brazil, as well as Mexican side Club America. As things stand, however, there's not been any sort of concrete approach from anyone. Should the situation change, it could well have an impact on Swansea's plans. There's currently a feeling they are well stocked in wide areas, particularly with the signing of Zeidane Inoussa. But the recent links with Kwame Poku suggest they might well be expecting some movement the other way. The 23-year-old was reportedly the subject of an offer from the Swans, but now looks poised to join Queens Park Rangers. Josh Ginnelly could well be facing an uncertain future given his injury-plagued spell, while the lack of game-time under boss Alan Sheehan suggests Florian Bianchini might well be another the club could be tempted to move on. Bianchini didn't make a single start under the Irishman, and just eight league games overall, despite showing some encouraging glimpses in the number nine role. A new striker is likely to be on the agenda at some point, with Bobby Wales largely seen as a player for the future. But their efforts to bring one or two more on board may well depend on whether they can move Jerry Yates on in this window. The club have already sold Mykola Kuharevich this summer, and it seems likely they will entertain offers for the former Blackpool man, who enjoyed a reasonably successful loan spell at Derby County last season. The Rams were previously interested in another move, but Paul Warne's departure seemingly scuppered those plans. Derby's capture of Carlton Morris may well confirm they have no intention of returning for Yates, but an exit could nevertheless still happen should the right suitor emerge. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone Swansea have already assessed possible options to come in, including former striker Oli McBurnie, although it's understood they've not made any sort of approach for the Scotland striker, and have merely placed his name on a list among several others. Hull currently seem well placed to get a move done at this stage, although nothing seems to be agreed. Article continues below Finally, there's still the possibility the Swans may look to get another defender on board. The eye-catching capture of Cameron Burgess has gone a long way to filling the Harry Darling-shaped hole in Swansea's backline. After a saga that lasted the best part of six months, Darling chose to return to his native East Anglia by signing for former boss Liam Manning at Norwich City. Ricardo Santos has also come on board too, but there's a feeling Swansea could still use more depth in the heart of the defence, and indeed in the full-back/wingback area. There's subsequently a preference for someone who can cover in both areas if possible.
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Swansea City's rivals make major move in pursuit of Lewis O'Brien as bid on table
Swansea City's rivals make major move in pursuit of Lewis O'Brien as bid on table The midfielder is a man in demand this summer Lewis O'Brien (Image: Ashley Crowden/REX/Shutterstock ) Hull City have launched a bid for in-demand midfielder Lewis O'Brien, dealing a potentially devastating blow to Swansea City's hopes of a return. Sources have told WalesOnline that the Tigers have made a bid of around £5m for the Nottingham Forest man, although they aren't the only ones to have made an offer, with a bid from another unnamed Championship club also believed to be on the table. A host of clubs have taken an interest in O'Brien, who enjoyed a hugely successful six-month loan spell with the Swans last season, playing every game under Luke Williams and then Alan Sheehan. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. In all, O'Brien made 16 appearances for the Swans, scoring one goal. Birmingham City, Southampton, Preston North End and Spanish giants Valencia have all shown an interest in recent weeks, but it seems the Tigers are now pushing hardest to get a deal done, with owner Acun Ilıcalı believed to be particularly keen. Swansea were as recently as this week believed to still be genuine contenders to sign the 26-year-old, and it's understood they were open to the possibility of exploring a permanent deal rather than another loan. But their chances of getting a deal over the line now look to be fading given the amounts of money involved. Article continues below It's understood O'Brien may also want to move up north for family reasons, which could potentially strengthen Hull's hand. Nevertheless, the news will likely come as a disappointment to the Swans, who had clearly remained hopeful that a deal could be done. When quizzed on the possibility of bringing O'Brien back, director of football Richard Montague said earlier this month: "We have had good conversations with Forest. "They were really good to deal with last season, they sent us a really nice message to thank us for how well Lewis did with us, which was great to receive. "We have a good dialogue with them. The ball is a little bit in their court at the moment because of Lewis' contract situation. He is on a Premier League salary and there needs to be some give in some sense to make it work for us. "But it's definitely an option that's still on the table. Article continues below "We are talking to Lewis and having good conversations with Forest. We would love to be able to do something. "It's just timing and matching it all up with the financial realities." Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone Those financial realities could now prove too much for the Swans, who may now have to look elsewhere in their bid to strengthen their central midfield options.
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Ryan Reynolds told to go for broke and rub salt in Swansea's wounds with £3.5m signing
Ryan Reynolds told to go for broke and rub salt in Swansea's wounds with £3.5m signing Wrexham's Hollywood owners have been encouraged to splash their cash on Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Swansea Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham have encouraged to try and sign Lewis O'Brien who was recently on loan at Swansea (Image:) Wrexham's owners have been encouraged to invest their Hollywood wealth in a Premier League star valued at £3.5million this summer. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are currently rejoicing after their club secured a third consecutive promotion in April, propelling them from League One to the Championship. The actors are expected to make significant investments during the transfer window to bolster manager Phil Parkinson's squad. Wrexham have already been linked with several top-tier stars, including Leicester's Jamie Vardy and West Ham pair Aaron Cresswell and Danny Ings. The North Wales team is now being urged to place a bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien, who made a strong impression while on loan at Swansea City in the second tier during the latter part of last season. The Swans are reportedly keen on signing the 28-year-old permanently after he started 16 matches for the club following his arrival in early February. However, with one year remaining on his contract, financial constraints are said to be a major obstacle preventing his move. Wrexham have also been mentioned in reports linking them with a move for O'Brien, and former Red Dragons and Swansea star Lee Trundle believes he would make a significant impact at the Racecourse Ground. Speaking on the Fearless in Devotion podcast, he said: "Lewis wants to play further up the field and go and drive at players and make things happen. I think he would be a great addition. The only thing I would say about Lewis is he's still contracted to Forest, and he would be on a very good contract. Article continues below Lewis O'Brien was a big hit at Swansea City and has also been linked with Wrexham (Image:) Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. "It's whether the wages could get matched, because I know that was a stumbling point at Swansea. That's the other problem when you move into the Championship, because we're not only talking about the quality of the players, but the wages as well. "It is a big chance to take on people if you give them a three-year contract on so much [money]. That can also hurt you in a way, but I don't think the owners think like that. I do think that they just look forward and everything that they've said, they've been true to their word." The upcoming season will be the first time Wrexham have competed in the second tier for 43 years. Some analysts have voiced doubts about their ability to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive promotion. However, Trundle didn't dismiss the possibility of Wrexham making it to the Premier League, despite warning them about the challenges of competing in the Championship. He also urged the club's supporters to remain united even if the initial results are disappointing. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year. Sign up for Wrexham is the Game here "I don't think it's unrealistic to think that way [about promotion]," Trundle said. "I went to a Bristol City side which had just been promoted out of League One, and we ended up getting to the Championship play-off final that year, where we got beaten by Hull. "I wouldn't say it's out of reach, especially with the way Wrexham are doing as well. When you're used to winning and you've got a winning mentality, I think that goes a long way. But I would say that there could be some heavy defeats and you're not going to get everything the same way that you've had it for the last couple of years. Article continues below He added: "The most important thing now is for the fans to realise how far the club has come in that short space of time, and all stick together. You're going to need to strengthen going into the Championship. But I think fans around British football would love to be a Wrexham fan and in the position that the club is in."
