In a massive boost to Luke Williams’ side ahead of the crunch clash, the Swans have won the race to sign Bianchini with the 23-year-old Frenchman signing on a four-year deal from SC Bastia for an undisclosed fee.
A France Under-19 international, Bianchini made his senior debut at Amiens, and had loan spells with Avranches and Chateauroux before making the move to Bastia last summer where he scored five goals and gained six assists in 28 appearances in Ligue 2 last term.
The young Frenchman will provide competition for places for the likes of Ronald and Ji-Sung Eom in advanced areas with the Swans boss having spoken of his desire to re-create the exciting wing plan of old to be part of the identity of the team he is building.
Promising centre back Abbey is the second new face in the building today and joins on a season-long loan from Greek outfit Olimpiacos and will provide much needed competition for regular duo Harry Darling and Ben Cabango.
The 20-year-old England age grade star is no stranger to the English Football League having appeared 31 times for Reading before signing for the Europa League champions in January.
A player assured on the ball and with bags of pace will no doubt fit the void in head coach Luke Williams’ philosophy after the departure of Nathan Wood to Southampton last month.
After what has been a frustrating transfer window, Williams feels more content with the shape of the squad with further additions now close.
“I am always happy because I am head coach of Swansea,” the Swans boss said.
“But certainly I know that the season is long and tough and we need more bodies. We are now going to introduce two more players that have more experience and that can only be good.
“We are still not finished in our recruitment, but this will be a big step forward to giving us more cover and making us more competitive.”
The duo will join attacking midfielder Eom, goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, central midfielder Goncalo Franco and striker Jan Vipotnik, the other four new signings to date in Sunday’s matchday squad.
