Russell Martin has revealed Cyrus Christie took a drop in finances to seal a move from Fulham to Swansea City.
The 29-year-old completed a loan move to south Wales from the Cottagers on Friday fewer than 24 hours after the transfer had initially collapsed.
However, Martin has confirmed that – after Christie had agreed terms with his parent club – the deal was concluded which saw Swansea land their prime target when it came to replacing Ethan Laird.
“I’m delighted with it [transfer business]. It’s been really important for us,” said the head coach.
“Cyrus, once Ethan left, was the first choice so we haven’t explored anyone else in that position.
“We realised he was available, it’s taken a little while to do, and eventually Cyrus has had to sacrifice a bit of money to come here which shows brilliant intent from him which is why it was suggested it was off.
“It was about finding the right deal between himself and Fulham but our deal with Fulham was agreed a while ago. Cyrus has shown a big statement of intent to come here and play football.
“He’s played nearly 300 games in the Championship. He suits us, he’s athletic and he’s a fantastic pro. He’s one that really excites us and fits what we’re trying to do.”
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The arrival of Christie came just days after goalkeeper Andy Fisher sealed a permanent move to Swansea from Martin’s former club MK Dons.
The 23-year-old – along with Christie – is set to go straight into the matchday squad for this weekend’s Championship clash with Huddersfield Town.
“Fish is different because he’s permanent, he’s young and really hungry. I’ve spoken to you a lot about long-term business, but it’s dictated by finances,” explained Martin.
“Fish is a really important signing long-term for the football club. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper, he’s someone we had at MK Dons who we had to fight so hard to sign him, we signed him three minutes before the deadline because he was someone the owner at MK didn’t feel we really needed at the time but we knew how important it would be.
“He took a huge pay cut to come to MK. He took a big leap of faith and it’s paid off for him.
“I’m really pleased for him because he’s been excellent for MK Dons and I’m sure he’ll be excellent for us.”
Further first-team players are expected to depart this month following the exits of Laird, Morgan Whittaker, Steven Benda and Liam Cullen.
Yan Dhanda, Jay Fulton and Jake Bidwell are among those who could leave the Swansea.com Stadium as Martin’s side bid to raise funds to land other transfer targets.
And Martin says the Swans still have plenty more business to be done in the winter window.
“We need to strengthen a few areas and there’ll be people leaving the club,” he added.
“January is exhausting. So much of it is left until the last minute and you have to be prepared for that. I think we’ll still be doing quite a lot of business.”
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The Swans are in Championship action this weekend for the first time since losing 4-1 at home to Nottingham Forest on December 11.
And Martin has confirmed the visitors will be without a couple of players in west Yorkshire due to Covid-19.
“If I tell you I’m sure the Huddersfield manager will enjoy it! There’ll be a couple [out],” he concluded.
Kick-off at The John Smith’s Stadium is at 3pm on Saturday.
Elsewhere, midfielder Dan Williams is poised to join Dundalk on loan while goalkeeper Lewis Webb will seal a temporary switch to Shelbourne.
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