Swans feature on Bobby Wales : Like finding gold in a charity shop
Friday, 2nd May 2025 08:00 by Keith Haynes

Nineteen year old Kilmarnock forward Bobby Wales is in the process of completing his move to Swansea City despite a leak on the deal coming out of Scotland. The news was circulated by Robert Grieve at The Sun. However, Fabrizio Romano is also claiming an exclusive on the deal.

Irrespective of the award for most awake journalist the Indy have been busy on this player with some quite revealing information. For a start that’s a very fitting surname, and we know you are here for context on the signing and what this player is all about. Especially when you see things like this on social media.

This is just the start of the Swans exciting new look off the pitch within the scouting system, data collection and indeed with Sporting Director, Richard Montague. He is there to facilitate the information he has - and execute the deals on his desk. This is a prime example of how the Swans are sourcing exciting young players. Glasgow Rangers we are told are gutted with the player choosing Swansea City and there were a whole host of other clubs in line as well. The work of Montague’s team is not to be ignored, they are relentless in their efforts to get in the very best for the Sporting Director to get over the line.

And we can state, this is just the start.

Wales is a forward who can play either side of the attack and has one goal from eight centre forward starts this season. However, don’t read too much into that. Wales is not being considered for the Swans U21 side next season. His strength, pace and ability puts him straight in with the big boys and he will have a first team squad number. The Swans first tracked the player earlier this year when his data was so convincing he had to be watched and then approached. As it stands Wales will be out of contract at the end of this month so he can speak with other clubs. That club now seems to be the Swans with a medical not far away.

As Wales has come through the Kilmarnock system and being under twenty four his fee will be decided by a tribunal if necessary. The same system that saw Josh Key evaluated after he came to the Swans from Exeter City and when Joel Latibeaudiere moved from the Swans to Coventry City. These tribunals are very similar, within the Scottish Football League regulations (Law F24) the same overall details are examined from training and academy costs to an estimated value. Wales isn’t seen as a goalscorer but a very disruptive and agile winger who can chip in with goals. An example is his loan spell at Alloa in the 2023/24 season. Joining as a seventeen year old he bagged twelve goals in twenty five appearances with three assists on record.

This season has seen him deployed in a variety of roles where his pace and strength have been well noted. Scoring three goals and an assist in the Scottish top flight this campaign, the Swans have taken notice of him and moved very quickly to secure his services.

He also gained some European experience this season in the Conference League scoring against Tromso of Sweden in a 2-2 draw. When you review his games played to date it seems inconceivable a sixteen year old could be playing first team Premiership football in Scotland three years ago.That’s the measure of his talent and the Swans have swooped. He has now agreed a four year deal. The due diligence the Swans do on players now has really stepped up a level, it’s not just about his on the pitch behaviour. His disciplinary record in that respect is almost perfect. No worries there and he comes from a very supportive family. A lifetime Kilmarnock fan who lives within the shadows of Rugby Park, just playing for Killie was his dream.

Bobby was offered the very best Kilmarnock could muster to remain at the club. Derek McInnes, the clubs manager went to great levels to get him to sign. Speaking in March he said, “It should be incentive for all players, if your playing regularly and doing well in the Scottish Premier League, your normally under the eye of the Scotland manager. For me, I firmly believe that Bobby being here longer will be the right move for him. Ideally, I have my Killie head on here and I want Bobby to be here for our club and for our cause, but I actually think it’d be really good for him and I’d be devastated if Bobby was to leave knowing that if he performs well with us, I’d be sure he can get into the international set up, I’ve no doubt about it.”

Unfortunately for Kilmarnock that was never going to happen. A whole trail of clubs have been tailing Bobby and even two years ago Torino and Venezia were keen to tag him. His progression has also seen him recognised in the Scottish age grade sides. The big thing for Bobby now is settling in Swansea, a young man who if that aspect of his life does come together everything will fall into place. Along with the progressive coaching of new head coach, Alan Sheehan he could well shine like that gold referred to by many already.