Blair McKenzie | I'm looking forward to the journey ahead
New arrival Blair McKenzie is eager to get his Swansea City career under way following his arrival in SA1 earlier this week.
The Scottish centre-back will link up with the under-21s' squad ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, having put pen to paper on a deal through to June 2027 after arriving from Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee.
Standing at 6ft 5in, the Scotsman offers a threat in the air and versatility as a left sided centre-half, and he's looking to make the most of his time at Swansea City, which will be his first time playing outside his homeland.
"I’m really excited to get started. It’s a massive club. I came down about six weeks ago and saw all the facilities and met all the boys and the staff, and everyone was great to work with," said McKenzie.
"Fairwood, compared to where I’ve trained before, is amazing. It’s a brilliant set-up and I can’t wait to get stuck in there.
"When I was really young, I remember watching Swansea in the Premier League. Whenever anyone mentions Swansea in any conversation, you instantly think of their amazing time in the league.
The 19-year-old defender, who joined Aberdeen from Edinburgh side Hutchison Vale FC in 2021, has made nearly 50 senior appearances across two loan periods in the Scottish Football Leagues.
He got his first goal at senior level last season, scoring for Montrose in their Scottish League One clash against Dumbarton.
"I joined Aberdeen around the age of 16, I thought it was time to try something different, and I knew this would be a big step in my football career," he added.
“I played under-18s football there for two years, and got a two-year contract. I was meant to move down to England after that, but that fell through.
“I signed for another two years at Aberdeen, then I got some senior experience out on loan in Scottish League One and League Two.
“Those loans helped me develop physically, and they helped improve my game massively.
“I got around 45 senior appearances, it was a great experience. I got my first senior goal out on loan too, I celebrated like mad because it’s not often I score!
“I learnt a lot out on loan. Going from an under-18s' changing room to a senior changing room is a big shift, that in itself is a learning curve. The game is also much more competitive and fast-paced, you learn quickly in those environments.
“The physical side of the game, you come up more against more senior players, more physical players and that makes you work harder, and better the different elements of your game."
And the defender is hoping his wealth of senior experience can help him make an impression in south Wales, as he looks ahead to his first season in Swans colours.
"I knew for quite a while there was interest, maybe back in February. Then I came on trial in March," he said.
“When I came down, and saw Swansea and the facilities at this club, I knew I wanted to sign for the club. I’m glad it’s all worked out, and I can’t wait to get started.
“For the season ahead, I want to play as many games as possible, get involved in the first-team set-up, and contribute as much as I can to the squad and, hopefully, we have a strong season."