After spending the second half of the season on loan at Eredivise club SC Heerenveen, Swansea City’s future plans for defender Nathan Tjoe-A-On are uncertain.
The left-sided defender, who was signed by former manager Michael Duff last summer on a reported £300,000 cost, is yet to make a senior appearance for the Swans. Given that he was loaned out in January, his signing may not represent a significant amount of business for the club.
However, at 22, he still has potential, but he appears to be out of favour with new manager Luke Williams, who would undoubtedly have had a hand in the Indonesian international’s move to the Netherlands in January.
Tjoe-A-On did not perform particularly well during his loan to Heerenveen, but he was given minimal opportunities. During his time in Eredivise, he made only four replacement appearances and had no starts. He’s now at a crossroads in his career after failing to capitalise on the early promise he showed at Excelsior Rotterdam, which spurred his move to Swansea in the first place. The defender is contracted with the Welsh outfit until the summer of 2026, so he at least has
Some stability. Tjoe-A-On is expected to leave the Swansea.com Stadium this summer, with Transferwatchnl reporting that FC Emmen are interested in the Indonesian international.
Emmen play in the Dutch second tier, so it would be a step down for the defender, but at this juncture in his career, it could be one he needs to take in order to regain his confidence. It is unclear whether the Dutch club wants to sign him on a loan or permanent basis, but given that he is under contract until 2026, the former may be more likely.
A decent loan move next season could bring Tjoe-A-On closer to the first team, although he now appears to be a long way away from it.
Writer’s perspective If last season is any indication, Tjoe-A-On’s signing was not a good one. Things haven’t gone well for the defender since his move, with only four appearances for Heerenveen in the Eredivise and none for the club.
Nonetheless, he is only 22, and it may take some time for him to fit in. He does have a lot to live up to, given the high price Swansea paid for his services last summer.
A loan move could be the best option, at least for the first half of the season, as the Indonesian needs to regain confidence.
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