We are delighted to announce the signing of defender Sil Swinkels on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa, on a season-long loan, subject to EFL approval.

The 21-year-old Dutchman, who made under-15 and under-18 appearances for his country, joins from Midlands’ side having spent the second half of last season on loan at Bristol Rovers in League One. With experience in the third tier already, he made 18 appearances for the Gas, scoring twice including a stoppage time goal on his debut against Stockport County. 

Having spent his youth career at various local clubs in the Netherlands, Swinkels joined Villa from Vitesse Arnhem as a 17-year old and made an unexpected first team debut for the Villains when a COVID outbreak forced a youthful side to face Liverpool in the FA Cup.

The 6'3" centre-half has played over 70 times for Villa’s youth teams at both under-18 and under-21 level, and was part of the side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2021 and Birmingham Senior Cup in 2024. He also appeared in their first team last season, starting a League Cup victory against Wycombe Wanderers in September.

Sil will wear number 16 for the Grecians.

Manager Gary Caldwell said: “Sil is a young centre-half we have been chasing all summer, from his loan at Bristol Rovers last year. 

“He had a difficult time there in terms of the team, but we feel that experience will stand him in good stead and we believe he will have a big impact to play for us as both a centre back and left centre back.

“He is a really important signing for us.”

Welcome to City, Sil!

If you would like to sponsor Sil for the 2025/26 season, please get in touch with our commercial team via: commercial@ecfc.co.uk.