Moving Target

Moving Target – Wilfried Bony

After agreeing to sell last season’s top goalscorer Fernando Llorente to Spurs, Swansea City moved to replace the Spaniard by re-signing Wilfried Bony from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth in the region of £12 million.

The 28-year-old inked a two-year deal with the Swans, with the option of a further year’s extension, and according to head coach Paul Clement can get his career back on track in south Wales:

“To bring Wilfried back to the club where he did so well is very pleasing for everyone… Even though his career has not taken the path that he wanted over the past two seasons, we are confident we can get the best out of him again. I sense a real hunger and determination in him to kick on after a frustrating two seasons.”

The History

Bony’s footballing journey began at the Cyrille Domoraud Academy in his native Ivory Coast, before he started his professional career at Issia Wazi in his homeland.

He then joined Czech side Sparta Prague on loan in October 2007, which became a permanent move in the summer of 2008.

The striker enjoyed a successful two-and-a-half year stint at the club, scoring 33 goals and adding five assists in 79 matches in all competitions.

In January 2011, Bony joined Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, and it was there where his career really took off.

He registered 58 goals and 18 assists in 77 matches in all competitions, establishing himself as of one the leading strikers in the Eredivisie.

It was those performances that persuaded Swansea to shell out a then club-record transfer fee of £12 million to sign the striker in July 2013.

He supplied 26 goals and six assists in 54 league appearances for the Welsh outfit before securing a £28 million move to Manchester City in January 2015.

But the Ivorian struggled to establish himself at the Etihad and only managed six goals and four assists from 36 league outings.

He spent last season on loan at Stoke City, producing just two goals, both ironically coming against Swansea, in 10 matches.

Bony made his international debut for Ivory Coast against Burundi in October 2010 and has scored 15 goals in 52 appearances for his country.

The Prospects

While Bony’s first stint in south Wales was a resounding success, it’s the fact he’s played so little football in the intervening two-and-a-half year period that is a major concern.

A powerful centre forward, Bony looks at his best when starting week-in-week-out to build up his sharpness.

Capable of holding off defenders to maintain possession for his side, the Ivorian is adept at linking with team-mates and possesses a powerful shot.

He is also strong in the air, and if he can possibly return to the levels reached during his first spell at the Liberty, he could be the ideal foil for either Tammy Abraham or Jordan Ayew.

Clement has used both 4-1-2-1-2 and 3-1-4-2 formations so far this season, and given the lack of quality options in the wide positions, he looks set to play with two strikers in the majority of matches.

Ayew’s work-rate was crucial to the Swans’ success during the second half of last season – ranking joint-fourth among FPL forwards for successful tackles with 14.

But the Ghanaian’s poor goal return, scoring just twice in 17 league appearances for the Swans, means he looks the most under threat from Bony’s return.

Abraham opened his account for the Welsh club in the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace before the international break and leads the way for total shots (six) and close-range efforts (five) among Swansea players this season.

In the long term, Bony and Abraham could combine as the first choice front pairing, providing the former can rediscover fitness and form.

But having been frozen out by Man City during pre-season, Bony will surely need time to build up his fitness levels, and as both Abraham and Ayew got on the scoresheet in a win last time out, they will certainly be expected to retain their starts for the Gameweek 4 home meeting with Newcastle United.

Significantly, that fixture begins a run of very kind home matches (NEW WAT HUD LEI BHA BOU WBA) for Clement’s side.

Bony has been handed a price tag of just 6.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and 9.8 in Sky Sports. But at 5.5 and 8.6, Abraham is already offering potentially strong value and is found in just 3% of FPL squads.

One factor that could give Bony the edge is that he is likely to assume penalty kick duties.

He successfully converted all five of his Premier League spot-kicks during his first stint at Swansea and may be favoured over Abraham, who had a high-profile miss in the shoot-out which saw England U21s lose to Germany in the semi-final of the UEFA U21 Championship this summer.

One concern regarding all of Swansea’s forward options is the fact they have managed fewer goal attempts (16) and close-range efforts (11) than any other side over the opening three Gameweeks.

They also rank bottom for chances created (10) and having sold Gylfi Sigurdsson to Everton; they could lack creativity from midfield. Renato Sanches – while a high profile midfield signing – may not be equipped to be a major influence in that respect.

So while the upcoming schedule is kind, the ceiling for Clement’s attackers could be limited.

But it’s vital for the Swans that one of Bony or Abraham now fill the void left by Llorente, who scored 15 league goals last season.

If one of that pair can step up, they look destined to be a factor in our seasons, given the price tags involved.

Bony has to be monitored, then, with Abraham our preferred option in the short-term.

Further Reference

Wilfried Bony Wikipedia

Wilfried Bony Transfer Markt Page

Wilfried Bony’s 34 goals for Swansea City

2,077 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Hey guys, I was just wondering what you guys thought about my wildcard team?

    Cech - Elliot

    Cedric - Jones - Hegazi (Morgan - Mbemba)

    Eriksen - Pogba - Alli - Atsu (Carroll)

    Firmino - Lacazette - Lukaku

    Now I know what you're all going to say. Cech!? I know Arsenal cant defend but its typical Arsenal to go on a run of form from now and in their next 7 games, in my opinion there are 5 possible clean sheets, Bournemouth, West Brom, Brighton, Watford and Swansea.

    Also no Kane in my team. Had him for the first 3 weeks. Really bugged me as I captained him for 2 of those weeks and didn't have Lukaku GW1 or 2. But I think Eriksen and Alli can cover Kane's points.

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I was bored much earlier 'today' so looked back at all the rmt's to see if anyone had Laca, you were the 1st in a 12 hour period. I note a few others are now joining you, me too.

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I own Laca but don't feel confident enough to captain him

        1. HALFSPACE
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          vs a 5 man Bournemouth defence

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            I can see him getting a goal or two as he will want to make it clear to Wenger that benching him again is not an option 😀

        2. Eton Rifles
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Better option than Salah imo

      2. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Welcome aboard 😀 You on a wildcard too or did you use a transfer?

    2. Eton Rifles
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Proud ( or insane ) Laca capper here o/

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Proud

        1. Catenaccio FC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          In theory the best captain choice for gw4.

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Several things i would do differently.. For starters I would pick kane over kaku.. I know kaku has had more points, but Kane has had better stats and has easier fixtures then kaku from gw5 and onwards I would rather have Kane and downgrade eriksen to miki... Hegazi not assured either ... Would get kola instead and downgrade ddg to foster... If you can afford it.. If not I would also downgrade. Atsu to a 4m5 and upgrade morgan to a 5.. If you want leicester cover Maguire is a bigger offensive thread you could also upgrade cedric to bertrand.. Like the lacazette pick tho

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        You are right in some ways but for me personally, I think Lukaku will win the golden boot this season. Don't really want to take him out again this season unless he gets injured. Think he could possibly get 30+ goals. The Hegazi pick you're right and I was thinking to get a Burnley defender instead. Think I'm going to keep Atsu as he's a good enabler for the rest of my team. Wouldn't like to have two 4.5 mids.

  2. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    a) Haz + Mounie
    b) Alli + Chica

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      b

  3. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    silva & firmino or alli & mounie ?
    i have kane btw.

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      S&F

  4. BlueIncognito
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    This worth a WC?

    DDG - Elliot
    Dawson - Cedric - Mee - Schindler - Rangel
    Mane - KDB - Cesc - Tadic - RLC
    Kane - Lukaku - Abraham

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      How many FT's do you have?

      1. BlueIncognito
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Just the one :/

    2. Aston-villain
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      No

    3. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      No way, KDB out to a United mid and this would be a good WC squad

  5. Lav
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Tom Carroll no longer nailed?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I think he is

      1. Lav
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Over Mesa Sanches and Clucas?

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          I'm not so sure that he is. It might be his spot to lose atm but there's competition.

  6. Mcgugan
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Captain options and justification:

    A) Alonso (Most likely 6+ points for real differential captain)
    B) Hernandez - Best fixture
    C) Kane - Scored for England, scores away from home, penalties etc
    D) Lukaku - better fixture than Kane and on better form.

    Thoughts? Leaning to Alonso vs Kane right now.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Lacazette.. Boom

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      D..

    3. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      D to be safe. But if you didn't go D, then C.

  7. Aston-villain
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Does anyone think that Willian might keep his place when Hazard returns???

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Would expect rotation with Pedro.

  8. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Is it worth swapping out Benteke or Defoe in draft for Welbeck or Giroud?

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Nope

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Thought as much.

  9. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    GW6 and on defence consisting of Pickford, Alonso, Keane and Maguire is looking pretty nice.

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      WC time around then! Big fixture swings. Maguire was my favorite pick last season.

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        GW 6 or 7 is penciled in for me. Looks prime time with the fixture swings.

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Looks a good time to be sure

  10. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Mooy or Brady?

    1. willl
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Brady

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks

  11. willl
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    On WC:

    Cedric // Naughton // x // x // x

    14.7m to spend.

    Currently thinking of Blind, Daniels and Mbemba to fill the remaining spots.

    Any better options?

    Would two 4.5m defenders be better than Daniels and Mbemba in the long run?

    Cheers.

    1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      What about Bertrand instead of Cedric, Jones instead of Blind, Daniels and Mbemba

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        And Naughton too as you've said

        1. willl
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Prefer Blind to Jones quite a bit.

          Feel he's been unlucky not to have gotten attacking returns so far, eventually his crosses and corners will turn into points.

          Assuming he's nailed of course which is questionable.

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            My worry with Blind is that I can see Darmiqn getting some minutes eventually

            1. willl
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Shaw as well.

              I think short term hes nailed, but as I'm on WC I'd like someone I'm not going to have to worry about.

              1. FPL Blow-In
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                DDG is an option for united defence then if your not willing to spend the extra for Bailly or Valencia.

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Mbemba, Ward/Morgan and Kolasinac/Luiz/Spurs defender?

      1. willl
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Southampton defender essential I feel until GW11.

        Kolasinac is tempting for the fixtures but doubts about game time and Arsenals form are putting me off.

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          I'm holding Kola now Ox has left

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Kola is a great option anyway imo Arsenal will start hitting form soon

        2. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Yes you have Cedric so you would have Cedric, Naughton, Ward/Morgan, Kolasinac and Mbemba. Not bad at all 😉

          1. willl
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Ahh my mistake!

            Will think about it, reckon Mbemba is nailed for more than a few weeks?

  12. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Do people think Trippier will be straight out of the team due to the Aurier signing?

    1. fedolefan
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      If he is injured, like reports say he is, then if Aurier starts, I wouldn't expect Trippier to replace him. If Trippier starts this GW, then may be he keeps his place for 1-2 more weeks.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah I'm in a position where I can play Zanka ahead of him as to avoid a cameo or transfer out for a -4 to anyone really have 1.9 itb

  13. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    My wc team

    Foster, Elliot

    Jones, Cedric, Naughton, Francis/Wimmer, Mbemba

    Hazard, Pogba, Eriksen, Salah, Rlc

    Lukaku, Chicha, Firmino

    What do you think

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Hazard is an interesting differential.

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good. Lots of points to be had.

  14. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Heaton
    Alonso, Bertrand, Hegazi, Zanka
    Mane, Eriksen, Mkhitaryan, Ritchie
    Lukaku, Firminio

    Elliot, Trippier, Carrol, Quaner

    Already -4. Have 1.9 itb. Stick or transfer out Trippier/Ritchie

    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Stick

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Ta

  15. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Any thoughts on Hegazi, is he still nailed for GW4?

    Have 1FT and 0,3itb so can replace him with Cedric.

    Thank you.

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      He should be fine for the time being

  16. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Any suggestions of best defender under 4.7m beside of Hegazi?

    Thank you

    1. Foot Fighter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I'm looking at Naughton for 4.5

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Naughton, Morgan or a Burnley defender come to mind. All good options.

  17. BlueIncognito
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    This worth a WC? If not, who to ship out? KDB to Pogba/Mkhi? Cesc to 7.0 mid? Mee/Schindler/Rangel to Naughton? Thoughts are appreciated.

    DDG
    Cedric - Dawson - Mee
    Mane - KDB - Cesc - Tadic
    Kane - Lukaku - Abraham

    Elliot -- RLC, Schindler, Rangel

    (1 FT and 0.5 ITB)

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Just KDB out. Eriksen, Alli, Salah, Mkhitaryan and Pogba are all good replacements.

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      KDB and Cesc to Mhki and Salah

  18. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Willian to silva for a hit?

  19. cuervos
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    What group looks better?
    a) Kane, Gabbi, De bruyne and Kola
    b) Lukaku, Morata, Salah and Löwe

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      B

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        B for sure

  20. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    If Aurier starts next gw i gotta feeling that we will all be getting him

  21. BlueIncognito
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Rank in order on who you think is most valuable from each team:

    Mkhi, Pogba, Lukaku

    Mane, Salah, Firmino

    Eriksen, Alli, Kane

    1. cuervos
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Mkhi, Lukaku, Pogba

      Firmino, Salah, Mane

      Eriksen, Kane, Alli

    2. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Lukaku Mhiki pogba

      Mane firmino salah

      Kane Alli Eriksen

  22. YoullNeverWalkAlone
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Chicarito out, Bony in?

    With the money saved and given i already have Mkhi, Pogba and Lukaku, I could then afford to drop one of the Uinited mids for either Eriksen or Alli.

    Thoughts?

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Bony won't play anytime soon.

    2. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      No for the first one imo

      Do it, mkhi to eriksen would be the best I think, I have it like that

    3. ***00tennis***
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Bony form last 2 years=nada won't even play yet......Abraham no brainer pal if u want SWA

      1. YoullNeverWalkAlone
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Really, you guys don't think Bony will play? Would've thought its a no brainer.
        Its not like i WANT to sign someone from SWA, its more to save $1 somewhere in order to go with Eriksen or Alli in place of either Pogba or Mkhi (probably Pogba though).

  23. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Gtg for draft team? Is the bench correct?

    I have a waiver in for Moses to Aurier. Is it worth dumping Koscielny too?

    Foster
    Jones / Davies / Koscielny
    Alli / Salah / Ozil / Pedro / Silva
    Jesus / Defoe

    Heaton / Benteke / Trippier / Moses

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Keep kos in a draft team I think.

  24. I Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Chalobah or Carroll more nailed on?

    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Think tc with sanches in team will probably be in rotation with fer

    2. BlueIncognito
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Chalobah

  25. ***00tennis***
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Forster Elliot
    Alonso Davies Jones Naughton Long
    Alli Pogba Salah Brady RLC
    Lukaku(cap gwk4) Morata Abraham

    Lukaku>>Kane gw5

    G2G gents............?

  26. willl
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Any info on Dummett's injury?

    Is Mbemba nailed until he returns?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Local paper thinks November.

      He is r,footed and there are and will be alternatives at LB but it does appear to be his spot to lose right now.

      1. willl
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Who are the alternatives?

        Lazaar was sent out on loan so I don't think they have another natural left back.

        Manquillo possibly once Yedlin is back?

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          I think Clark can play there.

        2. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Yep, Manquillo could, Haidara is a LB but way down the pecking order, Gamez can play both sides and Colback could but is perhaps the worst option.

  27. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Morning guys

    Would you WC this lot?

    Gomes Eliot
    Valencia Cedric Dawson Suttner Long
    KDB Alli Mhiki Fraser Carroll
    Lukaku Aguero Mounie

    1. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Not a chance. Fraser to Brady this week, then KDB and Aguero to Salah and Kane next week. Minus 4 and you are in decent shape.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        0.1 short of Fraser > Brady. His price dropped. Also 0.1 short of the other moves you mention (which is exactly what I was planning). KDB dropped mid gameweek and I wasn't being rushed into moves. Slightly hamstrung now though

        1. BananaNose Maldonado
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, that's annoying. But Atsu instead of Brady works. And the other moves are then doable. I'd much rather -4 with the Atsu option than burning your wildcard.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      It's on the brink BB, maybe needed to be done last w/e so not ideal right now, but still an option.

    3. Flaming Flamingo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Nah. I'd definitely look to get rid of Fraser, but your team looks fine other than that imo 🙂

  28. Supersonic
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Richarlison has a couple of difficult games.. is he nailed and worth the 6.0? Or is atsu a better shout at 5.0 with 1.0itb?
    Cheers

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Would go Atsu + 1m over Richarlison. Prefer Brady to both of them though.

      1. Supersonic
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        His threat was through the roof in gw2 what happened there? Brady is a good shout

        1. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Watford had 10 men for a lot of the game, I wouldn't read too much into gw3

          1. Supersonic
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah currently have richarlison in.. not paying any attention to gw3.. wc atm and the extra itb would be handy that's all

  29. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    1 FT here. Who is the priority to shift? Or, save and reassess after next week?

    Foster Elliot
    Ake Stephens Lowe Suttner Long
    Mane Mkhi Eriksen Willian Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Ayew

  30. willl
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    No price changes?

    1. Slam
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Next page