Swansea City Academy reveal new scholars and pro deals

Swansea City has signed eight players to academy scholarships ahead of the upcoming season, as well as making additions to the club’s professional ranks.

Winger Kyrell Wilson, centre-back David Roberts, versatile defender Filip Lissah and left-back Zane Myers have all joined from Chelsea, while Richard Faakye (Crystal Palace), who can play in central roles in defence and midfield, centre midfielder Charlie Veevers (Manchester United), forward Kieran Petrie (Arsenal) and goalkeeper Ben Hughes (Chippenham Town) have also become Swans scholars.

Geoff Bony, Josh Carey, Joel Cotterill, Ben Lloyd, Jada Mawongo and Evan Watts are also making the step up as scholars having come through the academy ranks.

The new scholars will link up with the under-18s squad under coach Byron Anthony.

Defender Scott Butler and forward Michael Murphy have signed their first professional deals after impressing during their respective scholarships. They join fellow youngsters Josh Thomas and Lincoln McFayden in signing pro deals, with the pair having penned contracts in the second half of last season.

Jacob Jones and Jamie Searle – who is currently away with New Zealand at the Summer Olympics - have also signed new contracts.

The Swans have added goalkeeper Nico Defreitas-Hansen, midfielder Azeem Abdulai and forward Tarrelle Whittaker to the under-23 squad as they arrive after time on the books with Everton, Leicester and Tottenham.

Centre-backs Ben Margetson and Ben Erickson have also signed. Margetson arrives on the back of an impressive trial at the end of last season, while Erickson rejoins after a spell away from the club.

Midfielder Sam Leverett has also joined the Swans after leaving Leeds United.