Ronald: Swansea City sign Brazilian winger for seven-figure fee

Swansea City have signed Brazilian winger Ronald for what is understood to be a seven-figure fee.

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.

“It shows his football comes first in his life and that, for me, is something that is very important.

“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 after arriving in Wales over the weekend, with the fee officially undisclosed.

The Swans feel Ronald will offer a blend of pace and athleticism which they have been lacking.

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.

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.

Head coach Luke Williams, who has been involved in the recruitment process since being appointed on 5 January, 2024 said last week he expects a “late flurry” of transfer activity before the transfer deadline on Thursday, 1 February.