Swansea City confirmed the signing of Goncalo Franco for an undisclosed fee, thought to be well in excess of £1,000,000, earlier this transfer window. The 23-year-old box-to-box midfielder joins from Portuguese top-flight outfit Moreirense on a four-year deal and represents the type of signing Swansea supporters have been crying out for in recent seasons.
The Porto youth academy graduate has already made 82 appearances in Portugal’s top division, and his stellar performances at the base of Moreirense’s midfield last season attracted the interest of Galatasaray and Benfica, who both eventually pulled out of a move, enabling Swansea to swoop in.
Ball-winning skills, energy, and protection
Franco, who completed more successful tackles than any other player in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season, will add energy, defensive stability, and steel to a Swansea midfield that was, at times, critiqued for being too lightweight during the 23/24 campaign.
Given the expansive, forward-thinking style of football Luke Williams displayed during the early stages of his start to life in Swansea last season and throughout his whole managerial career, Franco’s skillset will be a needed addition to protect a defensive structure that may sometimes be left vulnerable.
Technical quality, goals, and charisma
However, Franco is far more than a technically limited ball-winner. A quick skim through the midfielder’s YouTube highlights, which, admittedly, can flatter at times, demonstrates a player capable of carrying the ball, playing intricate passes through defensive lines, and even scoring a range of different types of goals.
There is one goal in particular—a 25-yard screamer during a 2-1 win over Estoril where the midfielder receives the ball under pressure but only needs one touch before unleashing an explosive shot into the bottom right-hand corner.
If Franco repeats the energy, tenacity, and charismatic style of play he demonstrated during his performances in Portugal’s topflight, the midfielder is likely to endear himself to the Liberty Stadium faithful in no time at all.
Does the signing of Franco represent a different approach to recruitment?
It is no secret that Swansea’s recruitment hasn’t been imaginative or good enough to take the club forward in recent years. But there are signs this is something the club is looking to change.
In January 2024, Swansea completed the signing of Ronald, a 22-year-old Brazilian winger who, similarly to Franco, had most recently been playing his trade in Portugal’s top division—a player the club hopes will continue to develop over the coming seasons. Meanwhile, the Swans have added South Korean international Eom Ji-sung, a 22-year-old midfielder who is hoped to carry the creative burden of Luke Williams’ midfield, on a four-year deal.
The signings of talented, young players from undervalued foreign markets signify a change in transfer strategy for the Swans. Over the past decade, Brentford, Norwich, and Brighton have demonstrated the effectiveness of signing players from undervalued foreign markets to bring in top talent capable of helping their teams to promotion out of the Championship and recouping significant transfer funds when eventually sold—something Swansea will surely be eager to replicate.
With the right blend of English Football League experience, and if Luke Williams’ team can address ongoing concerns regarding squad depth, this transfer strategy can pay dividends both in terms of on-field success and recouping significant profits on transfer fees paid.
Conclusion
Goncalo Franco’s signing marks an exciting move for Swansea City. His defensive prowess and versatile skill set align well with the club’s needs, style of play, and strategic direction. If Swansea continues to refine its recruitment strategy and add further depth and balance to the squad, the club may well see significant benefits both on and off the pitch.