Bashir Humphreys hoping to follow in famous footsteps at Swansea City

Bashir Humphreys has revealed how a combination of Michael Duff’s ability to develop young players, and advice from former loanees Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi, made him determined to seal a move to Swansea City.

The 20-year-old defender has joined on a season-long loan from parent club Chelsea, and will provide another valuable left-footed option in head coach Duff’s Swansea squad.

Humphreys - who featured regularly for Chelsea during pre-season and has been involved in Premier League matchday squads so far this term - was impressed by the conversations he had with Duff and also Swansea’s pedigree as a club that gives opportunities to, develops and improves young players.

And he is eager to hit the ground running having been made to feel he was really wanted in SA1.

“I am delighted to finally be here, it has been on the cards for a while and I am glad it is finally done,” said Humphreys.

“This is a great club with a great history, I remember growing up watching them play in the Premier League, and seeing how great the fans are and how they follow the team everywhere.

“You see some of the players who have played here, so it is just the whole package really.

“I spoke to Michael Duff and it was that conversation that swayed me to come, as it goes.

“He is quite straight-talking and I liked his tactics. He has shown how good he is at developing young players in my position, and he has had success with other teams. It is really good for me.

“As a player you always want to go somewhere you feel wanted, it is really important and the guys here told me where they wanted me to play and it suits me and is a perfect fit.

“I am fully focused on Swansea and having the best possible season here.”

Humphreys would surely love to follow in the footsteps of two other Chelsea players who enjoyed successful spells at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Blues midfielder Gallagher and now Crystal Palace defender Guehi shone for the Swans as they helped the club to reach the Championship play-offs during their respective spells in the club’s colours.

And Humphreys revealed the pair only had positive things to say about Swansea, and he hopes to can emulate the impression they made during their loans.

“What those guys did at Swansea shows it is a good pathway and it is almost an inspiration to me,” he said.

“I know both of them personally, and I have spoken to them and they only had good things to say about this club.

“That was a big tick in the box for me, it was the check I needed.

“They talked about the club and the city. They loved being here, and they said the people here were so friendly and always looking out for you, which is important.”

While Humphreys has spent a lot of time playing on the left side of defence, he is equally comfortable on either foot and happy to play wherever he is needed at his new club.

Now, with his move complete, his aim is to work hard, learn as quickly as possible and build an understanding with his new teammates.

“To be honest, my favoured foot has swayed over the years depending on which position I have been playing in,” he added.

“Now I am definitely more confident playing on my left foot, but I can use my right foot when I’ve played at right-back so I am not fussy about it.

“In terms of how I am as a player, I like to think I am a character and I hope I can show that on the pitch.

“I like to see myself as a leader, coming through the age groups at Chelsea I have been captain and I like to build connections and relationships with other players, if I can help someone then that person can help me too. It’s really important.

“I am a hard worker, I am ready to learn at all times and to adapt. If I need to do a shift in a different position to help then I will do it."