19-year-old Samuels-Smith only joined the French side just over a month ago from Chelsea in a permanent deal, but has now returned to the UK to become Swansea’s eleventh signing of a hugely busy summer.
An England age-grade international, the youngster was recently called up to the England under-20s set-up for the first time.
Having come through the ranks at Everton at the age of nine, he went on to feature in matchday squads under Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche.
A move to Chelsea followed in the summer of 2023, and he joined Strasbourg earlier this summer before making his loan move to SA1.
The teenager arrives to add much-needed cover for first-choice left-back Josh Tymon for the upcoming season and will wear the number 16 shirt for the Swans.
Angola international Benson’s outcome is believed to be more complicated. The Swans are eagerly waiting to see if the 28-year-old’s loan move from the Clarets has officially gone through.
It’s understood the deal was not subject to a ‘deal sheet’, which suggests it was submitted before the deadline.
However, the Swans are yet to receive official confirmation for the move, and are hoping for clarity in the coming hours.
Head coach Alan Sheehan, commenting on signing Samuels-Smith said:
“Ishe will provide valuable cover in a position where we have been short of options. He is a hungry young player who is excited to make the most of this opportunity.
“He joins us with a considerable pedigree at academy and youth international level, and we are pleased to have him with us.”
Director of football Richard Montague added:
“The need to bolster our options on the left side of defence has been well-documented, and we believe the addition of high-quality cover in Ishe will be important for the season ahead and in allowing us to continue to assess this position ahead of future windows.”
Global head of analytics and recruitment Adam Worth said:
“Ishe will give Alan and his staff an additional natural option on the left side of defence, an area where we have long been aware of the need to add greater depth, and that process will remain ongoing as we look to the future.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
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