Swansea City are closing in on a sensational return for former striker Oli McBurnie, with the Championship side reportedly leading the race to secure his signature.
The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer after a short spell in Spain and has drawn interest from multiple second-tier clubs.
Swansea Make Move to Reunite with Former Star
McBurnie departed Sheffield United last summer following their relegation from the Premier League, opting to take on a fresh challenge abroad with La Liga outfit Las Palmas. However, after just one season in Spain and Las Palmas’ subsequent relegation to the Segunda División, the Scotland international is once again on the move.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Swansea are now at the front of the queue to sign the striker. The Welsh club are believed to be offering a three-year contract, a deal that rivals such as Hull City are reportedly unwilling (or unable) to match.
Swansea are not alone in their pursuit. Hull had been strongly linked earlier in the window, and McBurnie was said to be open to a move to the MKM Stadium. Birmingham City and Ipswich Town have also been named as interested parties, though Ipswich’s interest is believed to have intensified only recently following their own relegation from the Premier League.
McBurnie has pedigree in the Championship. He scored 22 goals during his final full season at Swansea in 2018/19, earning a big-money move to Sheffield United that summer. His time at Bramall Lane included promotion, top-flight survival, and eventually a return to the second tier. In total, he made 144 appearances for the Blades, scoring 21 goals.
Reflecting on his exit from Sheffield United last year, McBurnie admitted the decision was tough but necessary. “I love everything about the place, but I kind of wanted a new challenge,” he said at the time. “There was always a part of me that wanted to re-sign there, but I thought it was being a bit safe.”
That desire for new horizons took him to Spain, but his return to British football now looks imminent. Swansea appear best-placed to benefit, with the club eager to add firepower after finishing mid-table in 2024/25 under head coach Luke Williams.
Writer’s View
This would be a smart and sentimental signing for Swansea City. Oli McBurnie thrived at the club before and clearly still holds a strong connection to the fans. At 29, he is still in his prime and offers both experience and physical presence, something the Swans have lacked since Joel Piroe’s departure.
A three-year deal is a bold move, but the free-agent status and the familiarity make it a calculated risk. With promotion ambitions still bubbling under the surface at the Swansea.com Stadium, this could be the sort of deal that reignites their season before it even begins.
