Ronald: Swansea City sign Brazilian winger for seven-figure fee
- Published
Ronald is Swansea's first January signing since 2022, after they failed to recruit anybody in the 2023 mid-season window
Swansea City have signed Brazilian winger Ronald for what is understood to be a seven-figure fee.
The 22-year-old has agreed a contract running until 2027 with the option of a further 12 months.
Ronald has spent the last 18 months playing for Portuguese top-flight side Estrela da Amadora, but joins Championship Swansea from Brazilian club Gremio Anapolis.
"He wants to grow with the club," said Swansea head coach Luke Williams.
"For Ronald to make this step is a clear marker that he is hungry, ambitious and brave.
"We have been looking for players who can bring that explosive power at the top end of the pitch, and hopefully we can help Ronald settle in and adapt so he can show us the qualities he has."
Ronald, who had had been on loan at Estrela from Gremio, has become Swansea's first signing of the January transfer window, with the fee officially undisclosed.
The Swans feel Ronald will offer a blend of pace and athleticism which they have been lacking.
"We need to look after him and help him settle in so he can perform on the pitch," Williams said.
"He brings us pace and power and I think he is also going to bring us a hunger, a competitive edge.
"This is his biggest step so far. He has the ambition and he has the physical attributes to make his ambition reality and I think that's exciting."
Ronald helped Estrela win promotion from the Portuguese second tier in 2022-23 and has played 17 times in the Primeira Liga this season, scoring one goal.
Swansea's recruitment team, led by sporting director Paul Watson, have identified Ronald as a player capable of making an impact in the Championship.
Chairman Andy Coleman has said Swansea will analyse data on players from around the world as part of their recruitment policy since he took up his post last May.
"Paul Watson is really trying to unearth talent. We are trying to find an edge, a different way to our competitors," Williams said.
"I had a really good look at the player, watched him play and had a good meeting with him on zoom."
The Swans are 16th in the second tier, eight points clear of the bottom three and 10 adrift of the top six, with 18 games remaining this season.
Ronald trained with Swansea on Monday and could be involved in Tuesday's game at Leicester City if the paperwork surrounding his transfer is completed in time.
Williams said last week he expects a "late flurry" of transfer activity before the transfer deadline on Thursday, 1 February.
RHONDDA REBELS: A community team that became the best in British basketball
THE CRASH DETECTIVES: Every serious incident on the road requires forensic examination
