Swindon Close to Transfer of Experienced Centre-Back

Swindon Close to Transfer of Experienced Centre-Back

Swindon Town are closing in on the signing of Wycombe Wanderers defender Ryan Tafazolli, according to TheRobinsLatest.

The 33-year-old centre-back was at the County Ground over the weekend and is expected to become one of Ian Holloway’s key additions in the coming days.

🚨 BREAKING: #STFC are set to sign Wycombe defender Ryan Tafazolli on a permanent deal. [@MoonrakerSTFC] pic.twitter.com/IVY70noWxF

— Town Talk Podcast (@thetowntalkpod) August 26, 2025

Town Target Defensive Reinforcement

Tafazolli reportedly underwent a medical on Saturday ahead of Swindon’s 2-1 win over Shrewsbury, meaning only the finer details are left to finalise. Talks are ongoing over whether he will arrive on a free transfer or on loan, but the deal is thought to be in its final stages.

Holloway has been vocal about his need for a commanding centre-half after his side conceded eight goals already this season, six of which have come from set pieces. At 6ft 5in, Tafazolli is seen as the type of physically dominant defender who can bring both aerial strength and leadership to a youthful backline.

With James Ball sidelined for two months through injury and youngsters Thomas Wilson-Brown and Filozofe Mabete starting despite having fewer than ten league appearances between them, experience has become a top priority for the Robins.

😍 @RyanTafazolli's towering header broke the deadlock at AP! pic.twitter.com/F7IdsQ4NB1

— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 1, 2024

Experienced Campaigner

Tafazolli brings with him over 300 career appearances across the EFL, having represented Mansfield, Peterborough and Hull before his move to Wycombe in 2020. He has played more than 100 times for The Chairboys and also played in a different environment earlier this year with a loan stint at Lee Man in Hong Kong.

Although gradually phased out at Adams Park, the defender remains a respected figure for his professionalism and presence. Away from the pitch, he has built a following of over 100,000 on TikTok, where he shares insights into life as a professional footballer.

Holloway, however, remains cautious:

"I would rather talk about that when I definitely know that it is happening. You should never count your chickens before they hatch. I want to wait and get somebody if I can, and I do not know if that is happening yet."

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- Pitch side footage 🎥
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YouTube - RYANTAFAZOLLI pic.twitter.com/lZHukmMdnD

— Ryan Tafazolli (@RyanTafazolli) October 6, 2021

Team Needs and Potential Changes

While strengthening at centre-back is the immediate focus, Swindon are also looking to recruit a striker before the deadline, with Harry Smith sidelined and Botan Ameen expected to depart. Ryan Delaney could move on for more game time, which would further free up wages for incoming players.

The addition of Tafazolli would not only address a pressing defensive weakness but also set the tone for what could be a busy final week of transfer business at the County Ground.