Bobby Wales scouting report: Swansea forward joins Huddersfield Town on loan

The 6'2" Scotland youth international will spend the rest of the season with the Terriers

Huddersfield Town have announced the arrival of Swansea City centre-forward Bobby Wales on loan for the rest of the season. He will wear the number 24 shirt for the Terriers.

Born in Ireland but raised in Scotland, 20-year-old Wales came through the academy at Kilmarnock and made his first team debut for the side in 2022.

Wales impressed on a loan spell to third-tier Alloa Athletic with 12 goals in 27 games in 2022/23 before returning to Kilmarnock last season to establish himself as a first team option, scoring four times in 30 appearances and earning a nomination for the Scottish Football Writers’ Association young player of the year.

The 6’2” striker earned a move to Championship side Swansea last summer but has made just six first-team appearances for the club this season.

Town head coach Liam Manning said in a club statement: “Still just 20 years old, Bobby’s exposure to senior football is impressive in what is still a young career.

“An ambitious player who introduces a new profile of forward to our squad, his desire to join us was evident within our initial conversations.

“Bobby has the potential to be a really effective forward, and we’ll work closely with him to help bring the most out of his game. Scoring goals at every level he’s played, we’re very happy to have him with us until the end of the season.

Sporting director Chris Markham added: “Bobby has a unique profile, especially after breaking through at a senior level at such a young age.

“A competent goalscorer with potential to influence play beyond that given his physicality, we’re pleased that both Bobby and Swansea City identified our club as the best place to further his ongoing development.

“In his short career Bobby has already scored goals against Celtic away and at UEFA Conference League and youth international level, so it’s clear to see what earned him a move to the Sky Bet Championship as a teenager.

“Having had a positive experience of the loan market this season, we hope that Bobby is another young talent that can make the most of his time here with us.”

Wales said: “I’m really happy to be joining Huddersfield Town on loan, and I’m excited about helping the club kick-on between now and the end of the season.

“I had the chance to speak to head coach Liam Manning before joining, and he’s someone I’m looking forward to learning from and playing for.

“I’m really thankful for this opportunity. This is a big club with a really talented squad, so I know I’m only going to get better for this experience.

”I want to contribute as much as possible, scoring goals and helping others to as well, and will give it everything I have whenever chosen.”

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Bobby Wales scouting report

Town’s move for a centre-forward is no surprise following Bojan Radulovic’s recent hamstring injury, which is set to put him on the treatment table for the next two months.

With Alfie May also commencing a four-match ban, Liam Manning was left with just one senior centre-forward in the shape on Dion Charles for Saturday’s trip to Peterborough United.

So what can Town expect from their latest centre-forward signing as they look to build on their excellent start under Manning and push for promotion up to the Championship?