Stephen Eustaquio swiftly agreed to join Swansea City when the opportunity arose. Fresh from aiding Canada in reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, the midfielder was enticed by the chance to assist the Welsh club in their quest to return to the Premier League, and to work again with a familiar coach.
Swansea City recently announced the signing of the 29-year-old from Portuguese giant Porto on a two-year deal, with an option for an additional season. Eustaquio expressed that the opportunity to collaborate with head coach Vitor Matos, a former colleague from Porto, was a significant factor in his decision.
“It was an easy decision for me,” stated Eustaquio in a release from Swansea. “I am familiar with what to expect here, so I am delighted with my choice.”
Despite finishing 11th in the Championship last season, far from the promotion playoffs, Eustaquio acknowledges the challenging road ahead for Swansea’s return to the Premier League.
“The prospect of being part of a prominent club striving for promotion to the top league was a major draw for me,” he remarked. “While it will be tough, taking it one game at a time could lead to a special atmosphere in the stadium, and perhaps a remarkable season. Who knows?”
Originally from Leamington, Ont., to Portuguese parents, Eustaquio relocated to Portugal in his youth. Prior to his time at Porto, he featured for Portuguese side Chaves and Mexico’s Cruz Azul. With over 150 appearances during his four-and-a-half-year tenure at Porto, Eustaquio also had a brief loan spell at Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC earlier this year.
Having earned 61 caps for Canada and participated in the last two World Cups, Eustaquio made a significant impact in this year’s tournament. His late goal secured Canada’s 1-0 win over South Africa in the Round of 32 before Canada’s elimination by Morocco. Eustaquio, who often wore the captain’s armband in Alphonso Davies’ absence due to injury, reflected on the experience: “This summer was incredible. It was a dream come true for our country to reach such heights in a prestigious tournament. Contributing to the team with that goal against South Africa was a moment of immense joy.”
Eustaquio is set to sport jersey number 46 for Swansea and may feature in his debut match this weekend against Derby County.