Laudrup adds de Guzman to Swansea squad

Swansea City have signed Villareal midfielder Jonathan de Guzman on a season-long loan deal.

The 24-year-old is Michael Laudrup’s second signing since taking over at the club following the recent arrival of Jose Manuel Flores, with the Welsh club having the option to sign him on a permanent basis.

De Guzman played under Laudrup at La Liga side Mallorca and the ex-Netherlands U-21 international is excited at the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he revealed: “Once the opportunity came along to join Swansea and Michael Laudrup it was a done deal. I didn’t have to think twice about it.

“I watched Premier League football every week on the TV last season. I was aware that Swansea are a good footballing side, but they really caught my eye when they beat Manchester City.

“They had a great season and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of playing on a new podium in the Premier League.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and grateful that the manager has acknowledged me as a player.”

The former Feyenoord academy player joined Mallorca on a free transfer back in 2010 before joining fellow La Liga side Villarreal for a fee in the region of seven million pounds a year later.

However, De Guzman struggled to establish himself in a disappointing season at the club which ended in relegation, but he hoping to thrive again under Laudrup.

“I didn’t get much game time when the new coach came in,” he said.

“It was a frustrating time for me. I just want to play football on a regular basis again.

“I’m fortunate that I will be working under a good coach (Laudrup) at Swansea who lets you be free and allows you to do what you do best.

“I like to attack as a midfielder, box to box, and hopefully I can add my share of goals along the way.”