Potter: Talks over Van der Hoorn contract "ongoing"

20th December
First team

Swansea City boss Graham Potter has confirmed the club are in “ongoing” talks over a new contract for defender Mike van der Hoorn.

The Dutchman has been an integral part of Potter’s plans this season, and is the only player to start every Championship game this term for the Swans.

The 26-year-old was appointed as vice-captain during the summer and has regularly led the side as skipper Leroy Fer has faced injury problems.

Van der Hoorn’s current contract is due to expire next summer but, while not prepared to discuss specific details, Potter says discussions to keep the ex-Ajax centre-half in SA1 are in progress.

“There is no update as such but we are speaking to the player,” said Potter.

“I would prefer to keep the conversations between the player and the club private, but they are ongoing with Mike.

“He has done really well for us this year, he has got better and better and has been playing to a really consistent level.

“He has the potential to continue to improve, and I am sure he will see himself being able to play higher and that is really good.”

Van der Hoorn had to wait for his chance for regular first-team football after joining Swansea in the summer of 2016, but he has become a key, senior figure in the dressing room.

And Potter feels there is plenty more to come from a player who has performed so consistently.

“He is at a good age where he has some good experiences beyond him but still has a lot of his career ahead of him," he added.

“I have enjoyed working with him, he can be a bit of a grumpy so and so at times, but that’s part of the charm!

“He has responded to the leadership role he has had in the group and we look forward to him carrying on that development.”