Liam Smith ready to make the most of Swansea City move

Liam Smith is ready to get stuck in to a new challenge at Swansea City following his move to join the academy ranks from Manchester City.

The 19-year-old joined the Swans on a permanent deal from the Citizens and has penned a deal through to the end of June 2025.

The midfielder played a vital role in City's Under-18s' title-winning season in 2021, featuring 20 times for Ben Wilkinson's side before progressing to the Elite Development Squad for the 2022-23 season.

A Scottish youth international, Smith has represented his country at under-18 and under-19 level and has two goals to his name.

During his time in Scotland, Smith was a member of the Scottish Football Association Performance Schools, where he worked closely with current academy manager Andy Goldie, and the youngster is looking forward to linking up with a familiar face.

“Andy and I have a good relationship. I’ve known him since I was very young. So that was a major positive for me coming here," said Smith.

“The way Swansea play, the style, philosophy and the gaffer. I was interested in coming here straight away.  

“I came from Manchester City, and it’s a similar style of play to Swansea. It's about playing from the back, passing the ball and keeping hold of the ball. That style of play appeals to me massively.

“I’ve been watching the way Russell Martin implements that here, and it suits the way I want to play. 

“Ultimately, the goal for me to push on into the first team, get as many minutes as I can and hopefully I can play at the stadium in front of the fantastic fans." 

The Scotsman will link up with Jon Grey and Anthony Wright's Under-21s side ahead of their South Wales derby against Cardiff City on Monday, February 13. (6pm kick-off). 

A direct and skilful player, Smith can operate out wide or in a more central role, and is looking forward to the chance to show what he can do. 

“Firstly, I’ll get some good minutes in my legs with the under-21s and see where I progress from then on," he added.

“I can play on either wing, left and right, and I’m left-footed. I like to take players on, create chances and scoring goals. I’d like to say I’m a creative and versatile player.  

“Since coming to Swansea, my first impression is that the people are amazing. I’ve had a look around Swansea, as well and it’s a great place. I’m really excited to get started here.  

“I’ve met most of the under-21s lads already and I know Azeem [Abdulai] already. I've played against him a few times so it’s good to have a familiar face around.  

“I got introduced to Jay Fulton, he’s Scottish as well. Then I met the skipper, Matt Grimes. It was nice to meet some of the older, senior players, too." 

Growing up in Kilmarnock, Smith came through the youth ranks at his hometown club, making his first-team debut at just 16 before moving to Manchester City in March 2020. 

And he has vowed to do everything in his power to make his time with the Swans a success.

“I feel like I’ll fit in with the lads that are already here, I’m confident within myself that I can do that, so we will see," said Smith. 

“I get to work on Thursday, I’m going to put my head down and push on from the get-go.

“Having a look round the stadium has made me realise what my long-term goal is, and that’s to play in the first team.  

“That’s what I came here to do, and I’m going to do whatever I can and try my hardest to make sure that can become a reality."