Monday, 8th July, 2013
New Swansea signing Jonjo Shelvey has only just realised that he had been a marked man since at least as early as 2008, even if he himself only woke up to the idea of a move to the Liberty Stadium in August last year.
Shelvey has already linked up with his new squad for pre-season training in Holland, after signing a four-year deal with Michael Laudrup’s side last week.
His footballing education began with Charlton Athletic’s youth side, before Liverpool recognised his talent to bring him over in 2010. A loan spell at Blackpool later, Joe Allen arrived from Swansea, which piqued English football’s interest in a counter move for Shelvey to Wales.
"When I spoke to the Swansea chairman [Huw Jenkins] he said they had been tracking me from my Charlton days", Shelvey said to his new club’s official site. "I also heard of a link when Joe Allen was going to Liverpool, but that never happened.
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"It raised its head again over the summer and I was following it in the papers every morning while on holiday until it happened for real."
The 21-year-old is not shorn of talent, having made steady progress through England’s youth ranks even if his Liverpool spell did not prove as productive as he might have hoped.
He does, however, boast 13 Europa League appearances with 10 starts, and is relishing a second chance with the same competition given the Swans’ qualification through League Cup glory last season.
"I’ve played European football for the last two seasons", added Shelvey. "It’s exciting for the fans and I’m sure the atmosphere will be buzzing at the Liberty for the night games.
"It will also give the players experience of going to different countries and facing different styles of play."
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