FALKIRK youngster Ryan Blair has joined Barclay’s Premier League outfit Swansea City in a deal believed to be in the region of £200,000 plus add-ons.
The 19-year-old travelled to South Wales to complete the formalities of the switch and undergo a medical this week, missing Tuesday evening’s Scottish Cup defeat against Dundee.
After signing a three-and-a-half year deal at the Liberty Stadium yesterday, Blair hailed the move as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
Glasgow-born Blair, who made just 10 appearances for Falkirk, is the fourth player to move between the two clubs in the last two years, following in the footsteps of Jay Fulton, Stephen Kingsley and Botti Biabi.
The midfielder, who will go straight into the Swans’ under-21 squad, said: “It feels great.
“I never thought I would get the opportunity to join a Premier League club. I was buzzing to get down here.
“I want to kick on now and get myself some game-time between now and the end of the season.
“I played with Stephen [Kingsley], Jay [Fulton] and Botti [Biabi] at Falkirk. I was good mates with them all, so it is great to be joining them at Swansea.
“The three of them being here will help me settle quicker. They are all good players and I am looking forward to getting back out on the pitch with them.
“For me, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I just can’t wait to get started.”
Blair becomes the first Swansea signing since Francesco Guidolin was appointed as head coach last week.
The official transfer figure was not disclosed; however, as well as banking a six-figure sum for the player, it is understood several performance-related bonuses are included within the fee.
Falkirk manager Peter Houston believes yet another Falkirk youngster making the move south is a vindication of the club’s lauded academy structure.
“I have always said that we, as a club, would never deny a player the chance to go and further his career,” he said.
“Ryan has a lot of potential and will get the opportunity to continue his development at top-class facilities. It’s testament to the way we bring young players through that Ryan joins several others in getting a move and we wish him well.”
Asked whether Houston would be allowed to reinvest a portion of the fee towards his squad, Falkirk chairman Doug Henderson added: “The board has always made it clear to Peter that if there is a particular investment that he feels is crucial to the club in the medium-to-long term, then he just needs to speak to us and we will make a decision very quickly.”
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