Yahoo News The major Swansea City decision hanging over Luke Williams and why it will impact transfer plans
At 32, some might feel Jamie Paterson's best years are behind him.
And yet, if he is to call time on his Swansea City career when his contract runs out at the end of the month, it will more than likely be greeted with substantial disappointment.
Since his arrival on a free transfer from Bristol City three years ago, Paterson has enjoyed a fair number of memorable highs in a Swans shirt. His mercurial talent and infectious personality have made him a favourite with players and fans alike.
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But some will perhaps feel his powers are now waning. The end of his current deal, it could be argued, is the logical opportunity to part ways. A clean break for everyone that frees up resources to go after a more youthful and dynamic option, one that might well prove a more valuable asset down the line.
It's easy to understand the logic, and yet, paradoxically, Paterson's advancing years probably strengthen the argument for keeping him.
Yes, he's probably not going to be the player he was when he joined, but he still has the ability to change games, and his wealth of experience at this level undoubtedly further elevates his importance to this team.
After all, there's a reason the likes of Kyle Naughton and Joe Allen have been kept on. The pair made 38 appearances between them last season, and while accomplished when called upon, one would imagine they're unlikely to be among the first names on the team sheet next term.
It's their influence behind the scenes that really carries weight with Williams and the rest of the squad. They bring the vibes, as the kids would say.
Judging by the level of his involvement last season, Paterson will admittedly be more of a first-team contender, and it's worth stressing he probably still has a some more moments of magic up his sleeve. But his seniority means he probably now falls into the same bracket.
"He's a Championship player who's proven time and time again," Williams said when quizzed on Paterson's future before the end of the last campaign. "You can't replace that type of experience easily".
Keeping a core of senior players together is seemingly the foundation for Williams' plans in SA1. This squad was only the ninth youngest in the Championship last season, but it's understood the level of experience in this squad has been a concern.
The decision-makers at the club clearly agree, responding by placing a new one-year deal on the table. However, at the time of writing, we appear no closer to knowing what will happen next, with Paterson seemingly weighing up his options.
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“He has got a few different things to weigh up and he has earned that,” the Swansea head coach told the BBC recently.
“He is a proven Championship player. He is very popular and very well known in football - the qualities he has as a person and as a footballer. The ball has kind of been hit over the net [into his court] so we will see what happens.”
What happens next could well have an impact on Swansea's transfer plans. Williams is certainly correct to highlight the challenges of replacing someone of Paterson's significant experience.
Money, as has been well publicised, is rather tight at Swansea at the moment, and the quintessential senior head is quite hard to come by on a budget. Well, the ones worth having, anyway.
