Matty Sorinola | I really wanted the chance to work with Russell Martin again
Matty Sorinola admitted the chance to work with Russell Martin again had been too good to turn down after sealing his loan move to Swansea City.
The 21-year-old has joined the Swans for the 2022-23 campaign, completing a season-long switch from Belgian club Union SG, subject to international clearance.
He becomes the club’s third signing of the summer following the arrivals of defenders Nathan Wood and Harry Darling, and has linked up with his new team-mates at their training camp at Pennyhill Park.
Sorinola will bolster head coach Martin’s wide options following the end of Hannes Wolf and Cyrus Christie’s respective loan spells.
The Fulham and MK Dons academy product is able to play on either flank, and his versatility will prove a real asset to the Swans.
Sorinola briefly played alongside Martin at MK Dons, and then flourished under the former Norwich defender during his almost two seasons under his guidance.
It meant that when the chance to reunite with Martin, several of his staff, and former team-mates Darling and Andy Fisher, he did not hesitate to make the move.
“It’s great to be here. I knew there was interest in January and it didn’t quite happen, so it feels good to be here,” he said.
“I obviously know Harry and Fish, I know the staff really well so those familiar faces will make it easier to settle in.
“I know the style of play, I know what Russell wants as a manager, and I know what he is like as a person, which was a big thing for me.
“I made my debut playing alongside him, I think he was coming towards the end of his time as a player if I can say that! But I definitely was keen to work with him again.”
Sorinola is also excited about the prospect of playing in front of the Jack Army at the Swansea.com Stadium, with the Covid pandemic ensuring much of his career to date has been played behind closed doors.
“During my time at MK I only really got to play with fans a couple of times,” he said.
“But I know there is a great fanbase here and I cannot wait to see them and play in front of them.
“I look forward to experiencing it and hopefully showing what I am about.
“I like to think of myself as a technical player, and I am capable of operating on the right or the left.
“I like to get on the ball, I like to deliver and get crosses in and take people on. I want to express myself and have fun.
“I know it’s a massive club. I can remember watching guys like Michu, Wayne Routledge, Nathan Dyer. This is a club that was in the Premier League for a while.
“I just want to get as much game time as possible in a style of play that suits me. I’ve watched the guys training, I cannot wait to join in.”
And, in addition to his MK Dons connections, there is another familiar face at Pennyhill Park in the form of Wasiri Williams.
The defender joined the Swans academy just a few weeks ago, and the pair lived on the same street as kids.
“We come from the same area, we knew each other really well,” he said.
“We weren’t in the same school, but we lived literally opposite each other on the same street, and we used to go and play football in the park together.
“It’s great to see someone here who I spent so much time with growing up.”