Gonçalo Franco | Swansea had a clear plan for me, it was an easy choice
Gonçalo Franco has revealed how a combination of Luke Williams’ positivity and Swansea City’s clear identity played a key part in his decision to join the club.
The Swans fought off competition from a number of clubs to secure the services of the all-action midfielder from Portuguese top-flight outfit Moreirense.
The 23-year-old joins for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance, having signed a four-year contract and taken the number 17 shirt in SA1.
Franco arrives in south Wales having been extensively scouted over recent months, and he will add further options for head coach Williams in the middle of the park.
The Portugal age-grade international has built a reputation for providing energy with and without the ball, having the ability to snap in to win possession and quickly start attacks in transition.
He will also bring creativity in the final third, and has shown a habit of chipping in with goals from distance.
And he revealed how the clarity of the club’s identity, and Williams’ certainty about the role he can play in a Swansea shirt, left a big impression on him.
“I had the opportunity to talk with the coach, he exuded positivity right from the first conversation. This was great and made me want to be one of his players right away,” he said.
“The club supports young players and it’s a historic club. It was because of this that I was motivated to come here to better myself and achieve my dreams.
“As soon as I found out about the interest by Swansea, I felt extremely happy because they knew my work and now I cannot wait to get started.
“When I arrived here, I could immediately see the club has great facilities, it has everything and doesn’t lack for anything.
“Everything is here to help support the players, including me, to achieve the aims of the club and be the best they can be.”
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 approach to the game helped earn him a move to top-flight Moreirense, and he has been an integral figure over his four seasons with the club, making 129 league appearances and chipping in with nine goals.
Last term he played against his new Swans teammate Ronald when Moreirense faced Estrela da Amadora, and their respective arrivals reflect the club’s desire to scout outside more traditional markets for young, hungry and ambitious signings, as part of a global outlook towards player recruitment.
The Portugal Under-20 cap helped Moreirense secure an immediate return to the top tier following relegation in 2022, and was a stand-out performer as they secured a sixth-place finish in the Primeira Liga last season.
Now, he is determined to succeed in his new surroundings.
“Pre-season has started and I’m going to get prepared to the best of my ability, so I am ready to help the team,” added Franco.
“I’m looking forward to the first match against Middlesbrough and this makes me want to work a lot, because I need to work hard to start the season in the best way I possibly can.
“I’m very happy with the welcome I have received from the fans, and my message to them is that I will always work to the maximum to help the team and the club bring victories home, because that is the reason people watch matches!”