Dan Watts | I love this club and it means so much to turn pro at Swansea City

Dan Watts has targeted further development and game-time at the club he loves after signing his first professional contract at Swansea City.

The 17-year-old has been at the Swans since under-nine level and has since progressed through the ranks, making the full-time step-up to the under-18s two seasons ago. 

Last season, the teenager netted three goals for the under-18s, two of which were superb free-kicks against Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City respectively. 

He has now joined the pro ranks and put pen to paper on a deal through to the end of June 2026.

“I’m buzzing. It’s been a dream of mine to sign my first professional contract, and all the hard work up until now has gone into this moment," he said. 

“I think breaking into the first team as soon as possible is what I’d like to aim for, and I assume that’s just everyone’s goal when they sign.  

The teenager made his under-21s' debut last term against Stoke City in the Premier League Cup, and went on to feature for the upper-age group on several occasions. 

“I made my under-21s' debut last year. The pace of the game is definitely quicker, and the physicality is at a higher level," added Watts.  

“You have to move quicker and think quicker as you’re playing with players a couple of years older than you."

Watts joined Swansea City at pre-academy level, and went on to win Player of the Year two years in a row for his respective age-groups as he progressed.

And the youngster is relishing the opportunity to further extend his time at the club he loves.

“My time in Swansea has been brilliant, it’s the only club I’ve ever really known. I am from Cardiff, so my friends do give me some stick,” he laughed. 

“I know what it means to play for this club, and I’m glad I have another three years here. 

“This season, I’d like to play regularly, whether that be with the under-18s or under-21s, I think game time is most important. I enjoy what I do, so just to step on the pitch every week is a great feeling. 

“I wouldn’t be here without my family. They’ve done everything for me, driving me to training from Cardiff for about seven years so this moment means so much because of all the efforts they have gone to in helping me make the most of my opportunities here."

Watts has recently represented Wales Under-19s in their friendlies in preparation for their Uefa European Championship qualifying campaign, which gets under way later this year when they face England, Austria and hosts Montenegro in the qualifying round, and he hopes to be amongst the travelling squad in October.

“I’ve represented Wales since under-15 level, and now I’m with the under-19s preparing for the European qualifiers in September. It’s always a privilege to put on the Welsh jersey," he said.  

“We’ve got a camp coming up soon, and then the actual qualifiers are in Montenegro in October, and I hope I can get my foot in for that."