Sheehan hails 'coup' as Swansea sign Yalcouye

Midfielder Malick Yalcouye will be in contention for Swansea's game against Sheffield United on Saturday

Alan Sheehan believes Swansea City have pulled off a coup after the Championship side completed the loan signing of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Malick Yalcouye.

The 19-year-old has opted for a move to Wales despite attracting interest from the likes of Hoffenheim, Freiburg, Toulouse and FC Copenhagen this summer.

Yalcouye joined Brighton from IFK Gothenburg for £6m in 2024 – and head coach Sheehan says the Ivory Coast Under-23 cap has "got the capabilities" to play in the Premier League.

"He is a player who has got a lot of ability, wonderful energy," said Sheehan.

"We want good players here, the right people, and for him to buy into it and be here - it's a wonderful coup to have him for the season."

Yalcouye helped Sturm Graz win their domestic title – and also played eight times in the Champions League during a loan spell in Austria last season.

He will now get the chance to play in the English system for the first time, with his debut likely to come when Swansea host Sheffield United in the Championship on Saturday.

"I think he is player who can play as a six, eight or 10 and I think he can play in the sides as well," Sheehan added.

"He is a player who is full of energy and has a wonderful intensity to his play, but also he's technically a very good player.

"To add a player like that to the squad, we are absolutely delighted."

Yalcouye becomes Swansea's eighth signing of the summer, but Sheehan remains keen to add further new faces before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

The Swans are eyeing a number of centre-forward options in Europe, while they are also in the market for another midfielder, a left-sided defender and a wide player.

"We want more depth," Sheehan added.

"A lot of players left here in the summer. Now we are trying to create a different culture and to have that we'll need a bit more depth and a bit more quality."

Asked specifically about Swansea's striker search, the Irishman added: "I think there is movement in the background, but there's nothing to share with you just yet."