Swansea City has completed the signing of midfielder Gonçalo Franco for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
The 23-year-old joins the Swans from Portuguese top-flight club Moreirense, having attracted the interest of a number of clubs, and has signed a four-year contract in SA1.
Franco will wear the number 17 shirt for the Swans and bolsters head coach Luke Williams’ options in the middle of the park, linking up alongside captain Matt Grimes, Jay Fulton, and Joe Allen.
Franco arrives in south Wales having been identified for his high-energy, all-action style of play. Adept at reading the game and breaking up play, his ability to drive forward with the ball allows him to start attacks in transition. In the final third, he is a creative presence and capable of scoring spectacular goals, having netted some memorable strikes for Moreirense.
Franco, whose father Pedro was also a professional footballer, spent time in the youth ranks of Boavista, Porto, Rio Ave, and Leixões, making his senior breakthrough with the latter in 2020. His industrious performances earned him a move to top-flight Moreirense, where he has been an integral figure over four seasons, making 129 league appearances and contributing nine goals.
Last season he played against his new Swans teammate Ronald when Moreirense faced Estrela da Amadora. Their arrivals reflect the club’s desire to scout outside more traditional markets for signings, part of a global outlook towards player recruitment.
The Portugal Under-20 international helped Moreirense secure an immediate return to the top tier following relegation in 2022 and was a standout performer as they achieved a sixth-place finish in the Primeira Liga last season.
Gonçalo Franco – First Swansea City Interview
Feature Image Credit: Swansea City Football Club