Transfer Analysis: Zeki Fryers

Richie Wellens has secured his third signing of the summer transfer window with the acquisition of former Manchester United and Spurs left-back Zeki Fryers who will be eager to get his career back on track with Town. But who really is Swindon Town’s latest recruit? Total Sport Swindon’s Rajan Hothi gives his analysis.

Since arriving at the club, STFC manager Richie Wellens has made no secret of his desire to sign a new left-back with both Ali Koiki and Matty Taylor departing the County Ground at the end of last season. And now it appears Wellens has had his wish granted with the permanent signing of Zeki Fryers as the 26-year-old joins Swindon on a two-year deal.  

Born in Manchester, Fryers came through the ranks at local side Manchester United, making his debut against rivals Leeds United in a 3-0 away win at Elland Road in September 2011. After impressing legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Fryers then went on to make his Premier League debut replacing Patrice Evra against Wolves.

Unfortunately, Fryers failed to establish himself as a regular at Old Trafford and the defender moved to Belgian side Standard Liège in 2012 where he spent a solitary season before joining Spurs in 2013. 

The move appeared to have brought the best out of Fryers as the now Swindon defender went on to make 16 appearances in all competitions for Spurs. However, in 2014 he was allowed to leave for Crystal Palace for a fee of £5 million though he was shipped out on loan during his first season to Rotherham United and later, Ipswich Town. 

An injury-hit time in London saw Fryers make just 12 appearances for the Eagles in 2016-17 before leaving on a free transfer to Barnsley in the summer of 2017.

Fryers was again plagued by injuries and made just eight appearances in all competitions for Barnsley last season. But he will now view Town as a potential stepping stone as he looks to revive his career and climb back up the football pyramid. 

Injuries have played a big part in the left-backs decline down the football ladder, only managing 87 games in his eight seasons as a professional footballer, but Wellens is willing to take the risk on Fryers as he knows what the once-promising defender is capable of achieving. 

Speaking to the club website after the transfer was announced, Wellens revealed:

“It's a potentially fantastic signing - if you look at his career he's had some huge clubs. That shows the talent he's got. 

"This is a good chance for him to play week-in-week-out and get some real consistency in his game," he said.

Swindon are undoubtedly taking a risk signing a player whose career appears to be on a slippery slope downwards, but Wellens knows that if Fryers can live up to his potential then Swindon will have a fantastic player on their hands. 

It is believed that another deal is close with Wellens stating that an unnamed 31-year-old should be joining Swindon in the coming days with Bradford City striker Eoin Doyle the frontrunner to join the club.