Swansea City have finalized a loan deal for Benfica striker Nelson Oliveira for the remainder of the 2014-15 season.
The terms were completed this afternoon and the forward will begin training with the Premier League side immediately, in order to acclimate himself with his new teammates. But Oliveira will not be eligible for the Swans’ match day squad until January.
Manager Garry Monk had mentioned in recent weeks that the club was looking to cover for frontman Wilfried Bony, who is set to join up with Ivory Coast for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
Oliveira started his career in Portugal at S.L. Braga before moving on to complete his development in Benfica’s youth system.
In 2011, the striker led Portugal to the U-20 World Cup final in Colombia and was awarded the Silver Ball at the conclusion of the tournament.
The 23-year-old has spent loan spells at Pacos de Ferreira, Deportivo and Rennes – never scoring ten or more goals at any of those clubs. The forward also has 14 international caps for Portugal.
He is a talented player who has shown signs of breaking out at times throughout his early career. But he has become known for his moments of immaturity and long-range shot attempts.
Oliveira told Swansea City’s official website that he is excited about his move to Welsh club and eager to acclimate himself to his new teammates.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” the striker told Swansea’s website.
“I already know quite a bit about Swansea and it was their style of play and the ambience at the club that attracted me. It was an easy decision to make.”
“The deal was agreed early so I can spend an extra ten days in Swansea training with the squad and getting to know my new teammates. That way I hope to be ready to offer my services to the team that much earlier.”
“I want to prepare properly for the challenge. It’s going to be a big challenge because I have a lot of respect for fellow strikers Wilfried Bony and Bafetimbi Gomis.”
“I have to earn the right and respect from the manager and my teammates on the training ground to play. But I’m highly motivated to score goals and help the team.”
