'New deal is perfect for me'

Oli McBurnie believes he has made the “perfect” move by signing a new deal at Swansea City.

McBurnie has committed himself to the Swans by agreeing a new three-year contract with the option of a fourth year.

The striker’s previous deal was set to expire at the end of 2018-19, prompting a summer of speculation about what his future might hold.

But Graham Potter made it clear from the moment he took charge at the Liberty that he wanted McBurnie to stick around – and the 22-year-old has now put an end to any talk of him moving on.

“I am delighted to sign the new contract,” McBurnie said.

“It’s been a long time coming, but after coming back and seeing the plans for this season, and speaking to the gaffer and everyone involved, I think it’s the perfect thing for me to do at this time in my career. I’m buzzing to get it sorted.

“It’s a time in my career where I need to be settled and find a home. I need to be with my family and concentrating on my football.

“The club have shown faith in me with this contract and I have shown faith in the club. Hopefully it can be mutually beneficial and we can work well together.

“For me it’s now about trying to play as many games as possible and trying to help the club as much as possible.”

A regular goalscorer at development level, McBurnie has made only four first-team starts for the Swans, with his two senior goals for the club coming on his debut almost two years ago.

But he gave evidence of his undoubted potential during a loan spell at Barnsley in the second half of last season.

Despite being part of a struggling Tykes side, McBurnie scored nine times in 17 Championship appearances.

His efforts at Oakwell prompted talk that McBurnie could be a target for a number of clubs, but the 22-year-old’s first choice was always to stay on in SA1.

“There have been a lot of reports, but my plan was always to come back after the loan at Barnsley. I wanted to get games there and then come back here,” McBurnie added.

“I went away with Scotland in the summer and again the idea was to come back here and speak with Swansea about what role they saw me playing. If we were on the same page it was always going to be sorted.

“I think it’s three years almost to the day that I first signed and I have loved my time here.

“It’s a family club. I have been so well taken care of since I joined.

“You walk down the street and everyone is happy to see you. It’s a really good place for me to be in and I am thankful I will be here for the next three years minimum.

“Swansea gave me a chance at a difficult time in my career. I have had glimpses of what I want much more of and hopefully with this contract sorted, that’s what I’ll get.”

McBurnie is likely to be one of Potter’s key attacking options as the new Swans boss looks to inspire an upturn in fortunes following last season’s relegation from the Premier League.

The former Bradford youngster is not about to make any bold predictions about the Swans’ aims for the campaign ahead, but says progress is on the agenda.

“We are not going to put any big shouts out there. It’s not about needing to do this or needing to be there at a certain time,” McBurnie said.

“There’s a new manager in place and new staff and I think there will be a lot of new boys coming in.

“After a tough season last year, it’s about rebuilding as much as possible and getting back to the way we like to play – the Swansea Way. We will see where that takes us.”