Swansea City

Carlos Carvalhal not looking at Portuguese leagues for new recruits

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 07 January 2018

Carlos Carvalhal insists that Swansea City will not be looking to the Portuguese leagues for new players this month due to price and need to adapt to English football.

Carlos Carvalhal has stressed that Swansea City will not be looking to the Portuguese leagues for new players this month.

The Swans are in need of new recruits after winning just four of their 22 Premier League fixtures to find themselves bottom of the table.

Carvalhal, who hails from Portugal, has been tipped by some to follow in the footsteps of compatriot and Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo in buying Primeira Liga players.

The 52-year-old has played down such suggestions, however, telling reporters: "I must tell you that in this moment, I am not looking towards any Portuguese players. The Portuguese players who I think could help this team, we would need £30m, or maybe £40m for. That is the kind of money being asked for.

"So, I'm not looking for any Portuguese players at the moment. I am looking at the global market. I prefer players who are adaptable to English football, but it's not essential they have played in England in the Premier League.

"I know all the Portuguese players, but to achieve the one who is good for us, then they will be asking out of our budget. I like looking for players but these are different circumstances.

"If this was the beginning of the season then I know I could bring in two or three players from the Championship – maybe players people have never heard of – and they would make a difference to this club. But now is not this moment. We now need more experience in the team."

Swansea, who were held to a goalless draw by Nuno's Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup, return to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to fellow strugglers Newcastle United.