Sill Swinkles

Sil Laurentius Swinkels is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a defender for Sheffield Wednesday.

Born in Sint-Oedenrode in the Netherlands, Swinkels began playing youth football with RKSV Rhode before progressing through the academies of Helmond Sport, Brabant United and Vitesse Arnhem.

He moved to England in the summer of 2020 after joining Aston Villa’s academy at the age of 16.

Swinkels made an unexpected first-team debut for Villa on 8 January 2021 during an FA Cup tie against Liverpool.

A COVID-19 outbreak within the senior squad meant Villa fielded a youthful side, with Swinkels starting in central defence. The team produced a spirited performance and went into half-time level before losing 4–1.

Later that season, he helped Aston Villa win the FA Youth Cup. Swinkels started the final as Villa defeated Liverpool 2–1 at Villa Park.

He signed his first professional contract with Aston Villa in August 2021 and continued his development with the club’s Under-21 side.

His progress was interrupted in March 2023 when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The injury kept him out for more than a year before he returned to competitive action in April 2024.

Following his recovery, Swinkels helped Aston Villa’s Under-21s reach the Premier League 2 play-offs and win the Birmingham Senior Cup.

He signed a new contract with Villa in May 2024.

Swinkels made his second senior appearance for Aston Villa on 24 September 2024, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 EFL Cup victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

He was also named among the substitutes for several Premier League and Champions League fixtures during the first half of the 2024/25 season.

A further contract extension followed in November 2024.

Swinkels joined Bristol Rovers on loan in February 2025 for the remainder of the League One campaign.

He made his English Football League debut against Stockport County on 11 February and scored a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1–1 draw.

The defender made 14 league appearances and scored twice during the spell, gaining his first sustained experience of senior league football.

He returned to League One in July 2025 after joining Exeter City on a season-long loan.

Swinkels made 11 appearances in all competitions during the first half of the campaign, including seven in League One.

His spell was disrupted by injury and Aston Villa recalled him in January 2026.

He then joined Chesterfield on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

Swinkels made his debut on the day the move was announced, completing 90 minutes in a 2–2 draw with Milton Keynes Dons.

He established himself in the Chesterfield defence and made 17 League Two appearances before returning to Aston Villa.

Sheffield Wednesday completed the permanent signing of Swinkels on 2 July 2026 for an undisclosed fee.

He signed a three-year contract at Hillsborough and became the club’s third senior signing of the summer following Ricardo Santos and Callum Slattery.

Swinkels arrived with senior experience in League One, League Two and Aston Villa’s cup sides ahead of Wednesday’s 2026/27 League One campaign.

At international level, he has represented the Netherlands at Under-15 and Under-18 level.

Swinkels made four appearances for the Netherlands Under-18s and scored during a 4–1 victory over Germany in March 2022.

He is a left-footed centre-back who can also operate at left-back.

Standing at 1.90m, Swinkels offers height and physical presence while remaining comfortable receiving possession and passing out from defence.

His natural left foot provides balance on the left side of a central-defensive partnership or back three, while he is also capable of carrying the ball forward from deeper positions.