Swansea City have confirmed the signing Argentina defender Federico Fernandez on a four-year deal from Italian club Napoli for an undisclosed fee.
Swansea City confirms the signing of Napoli's Federico Fernandez
The deal, which is subject to international clearance, was completed after Fernandez, 25, passed a medical on Monday.
Fernandez, who will wear the number 33 shirt, will compete with captain Ashley Williams, Jordi Amat and Kyle Bartley for a place in the heart of the Swansea defence.
He is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s home game against Burnley.
Garry Monk“The type of players that we try and identify to come in here are ones that add quality to the squad and he definitely will do that”
He started four of Argentina's games during their run to the World Cup final.
Fernandez comes in after manager Garry Monk moved to replace 27-year-old Chico Flores following his switch to Qatar.
The centre-back revealed his delight in joining the Swans after getting advice from Michu.
"It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League - it is the best in the world - and I'm grateful to Swansea for giving me this opportunity," he said.
"I asked Michu and Jordi Amat about the club. I obviously trained with Michu at Napoli and while I was on loan at Getafe [in 2013] I played with Alvaro Vazquez. He is very good friends with Jordi, so I've spoken to them too.
"Michu told me it is a family club and the city is very relaxed. He said I was joining a very good club. All I've heard are good things about Swansea."
Fernandez has only recently returned to training following his World Cup exploits so it is not known whether he will be ready for the match.
Monk said the defender, who made 13 appearances on loan at Spanish club Getafe last season, is a good acquisition for the club.
"He brings that pedigree where he's been playing for Napoli at the top level and for Argentina at the World Cup.
"The age that he's at is very good for us and the type of player that he is.
"He's a good size, a very good footballer and someone who will suit Swansea City.
"The type of players that we try and identify to come in here are ones that add quality to the squad and he definitely will do that."
Fernandez helped Napoli win the Coppa Italia last season - they also finished third in Serie A - and made four appearances for Argentina at the World Cup in Brazil.
He began his career with Estudiantes before joining Napoli in July 2011 - he has also spent time on loan at Spanish club Getafe.
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