Canadian World Cup hero Stephen Eustaquio signs with Swansea City
Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustaquio has signed a two-year contract with Swansea City following his performance at the World Cup. Eustaquio cited the opportunity to work with coach Vitor Matos and the club's ambition to return to the Premier League as primary motivations for the move.
Why it matters
The transfer reflects the growing international profile of Canadian soccer players and the competitive nature of the English Championship league.
Fresh off helping Canada reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time, the midfielder was drawn by the chance to help the Welsh club chase a return to the Premier League — and reunite with a familiar coach.
Swansea announced Thursday that it had signed the 29-year-old from Portuguese powerhouse Porto to a two-year contract with an option for another season.
Eustaquio said the chance to work with head coach Vitor Matos, who previously worked at Porto, played a major role in the move.
"It was almost a no-brainer for me," Eustaquio said in a release from Swansea. "I know what I'm going to get here, so I'm very happy that I made this decision."
Swansea finished 11th in the Championship last season, well outside the promotion playoff positions.
Eustaquio knows Swansea's path back to the Premier League will be difficult.
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