Florian Bianchini | This is a club with a lot of ambition
Swansea City's newest arrival Florian Bianchini says the club's ambition is what drew him to make the move to south Wales.
The 23-year-old has signed a four-year contract through to the summer of 2028 in SA1. He will wear the number 19 shirt for the Swans, and is available for Sunday’s south Wales derby.
He is the sixth signing of the summer window having joined from French club Bastia, and he revealed how discussions with head coach Luke Williams and chairman Andy Coleman about their plans for the future played a key role in his decision.
"I am really happy to have signed here. I am really excited to see the stadium, the supporters, and I’m looking forward to my first home game," said Bianchini.
"I first became aware of the interest a few weeks ago, the chairman called, as did the coach, and it all happened very quickly
"I’ve always wanted to go abroad and, in particular, the English leagues, it’s where all players wish to go, so I was really happy to come here.
"As I said, I spoke with the chairman and the coach, and they said things that pleased me. They were very warm and the coach talked a lot about his tactics and the games, and it corresponded with my opinion, so that’s also why I wanted to come here.
"They told me it was a family club, with lots of ambition and I am also ambitious, so it pushed me to come here."
The pacy forward will add to head coach Luke Williams’ options in the final third, and provide competition for places in advanced areas with the Swans boss having spoken of his desire for exciting wing play to be part of the identity of the team he is building.
Bianchini, who scored five goals and set up six more in 28 appearances in Ligue 2 last term, is capable of playing out wide, as an attacking midfielder and a striker, and he believes his versatility can be beneficial for Williams' side.
"It’s true that I am a versatile player, I can play in several positions, and I think my best quality is my speed, and that overall versatility," he added.
"I can bring this into my game because there are my best strengths, and I can bring that quality to the team."
The French youth international has arrived just in time for the south Wales derby on Sunday, and he is already relishing the chance to play in front of the Jack Army.
"I am really excited to maybe play in that game. And I hope to have a good atmosphere in the stadium, and a victory for the club," he added.
"I hope to remain as fit and on form as possible and I hope that the club has the best results possible and gets back into the Premier League.
"I cannot wait to see everyone at the stadium and for you to see what I can do with the ball."