Nelson Abbey | Joining Swansea was a "no brainer"

Swansea City's newest arrival Nelson Abbey says his decision to make the move to south Wales was a "no brainer" following positive discussions with head coach Luke Williams.

The 20-year-old defender will spend the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign with the Swans, and will wear the number 32 shirt.

Abbey came through the youth ranks at Reading, and has been capped by England at youth level.

“I’m excited to finally get it done. It took a while for everything to get finalised, but I’m looking forward to starting," said Abbey.

“I first heard there was interest around two weeks ago. I wasn’t so sure on what I wanted to do, but when my agent told me what’s happening, and I spoke to the head coach, that’s when things got a bit more serious. 

“The first time I spoke to him was on a Zoom call. He was very honest, and very open with me. He told me about the style of play, how things are here and how life is here. 

“It wasn’t just about football, but he was talking to me about other things. We had good conversations for sure."

A highly-regarded defender, Abbey’s pace and his confidence and ability on the ball have been identified as qualities that fit in with the identity and style of play Williams is looking to implement, while the centre-back has previous experience of the second tier.

“This is more me, this style suits me better and, from speaking to the coach, he’s been telling me the way we want to play here and how I would play a part, and it was a no brainer," said Abbey.

“I’d say I’m quite physical. Speed is obviously, for me, my best attribute and I am comfortable on the ball."

He is available to be involved in the squad for Sunday’s south Wales derby, and provides head coach Luke Williams with an additional option at the heart of his defence.

And the youngster is excited by the prospect of potentially making his debut in the historic fixture.

“It’s been a long pre-season, I just want to get going, meet the boys and try to form relationships," he added.

“There's going to be a lot of pressure going into that game. For me, I know I am not from Wales, but I’m not a stranger to what this means. 

“If I could be involved that would be excellent. It’s a high-pressure game, and I like to play with high pressure. If I’m not involved, I’ll be supporting regardless."