Steve Cooper

Steve Cooper delighted with attacking additions

7th August
First team

Head coach Steve Cooper believes new signings Aldo Kalulu and Sam Surridge will boost Swansea City’s attacking variety after the pair sealed season-long loan moves.

Pacy forward Kalulu, 23, has joined from Swiss side FC Basel, while 21-year-old Surridge makes the move from Premier League Bournemouth.

Kalulu is renowned for his speed, and arrives in SA1 having experienced Champions League football during his time with Lyon, as well as top-flight football in France and Switzerland.

And Cooper revealed that as soon as the Swans became aware of his availability, they quickly made their interest known.

“I know there has been a lot of interest from English clubs in Aldo over the last couple of years to the extent where he had a decision to make before he joined Basel,” said Cooper.

Aldo Kalulu

“Obviously, he went there because they were in the Champions League, which you can understand.

“But, as soon as there was an alert that he might be available, it was something we monitored very closely for a while and we’re very happy that we managed to get it through.

“You’ll see that he’s a player who can play in a number of attacking positions, one with great penetration and that can have a great effect on a game.

“You want all types of attacking variety so when you’re putting game plans together and picking teams, you can try to put the right players in the right places.

“Obviously, he gives us an option with speed but he’s more than just that – he’s a good footballer as well that has good technical and tactical attributes.”

Aldo Kalulu

Surridge, meanwhile, is highly regarded at parent club Bournemouth and made his top-flight debut against Arsenal last season.

Cooper was delighted to have beat off the competition for the services of the 6ft 3in striker, who scored 12 goals in 20 appearances on loan at Oldham last term.

“Sam is another sought-after player that generated a lot of interest,” he added.

“He’s had previous loans at lesser levels than ours but this is the right step for him and the right move for us as well.

“He has a chance to play in the Championship for the first time but that’s what happens with young players progressing.

Sam Surridge

“We’re very happy to give him the opportunity; he definitely fits the bill in terms of what we’re after. He’s also at a good age coming from a team like Bournemouth.

“He’s had a full pre-season with them and everyone knows the type of work they do and football they play. I just think it’s a good fit for everybody.

“Now that he’s through the door and ready to train, I look forward to him cracking on and getting into some of the tactical ideas of how we’re going to play this year so that when he’s called upon, he’ll be ready to play.”

 

Sam Surridge

And Cooper feels the respective decisions of Kalulu and Surridge to join the Swans reflects positively on the direction the squad and the club want to move in.

“The fact that these boys are choosing and are interested in Swansea is credit to the football club and what we’re trying to do,” he said.

“What we have to do now is make sure they’re not new players for long and become part of the team and culture and are very committed to the greater good of the club.”