Stephen Eustaquio made a swift decision 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 prospect of assisting the Welsh club in their quest to return to the Premier League and reuniting with a familiar coach.
Swansea recently announced the signing of the 29-year-old from Porto, the Portuguese powerhouse, on a two-year contract with an option for an additional season. Eustaquio expressed that the chance to collaborate with head coach Vitor Matos, a former colleague from Porto, significantly influenced his move.
“It was an easy decision for me,” Eustaquio stated in a press release from Swansea. “I am familiar with what to expect here, so I am delighted with my choice.”
Although Swansea finished 11th in the Championship last season, far from the promotion playoff spots, Eustaquio acknowledges the challenging road ahead for Swansea to reclaim a Premier League spot.
“The aspiration of being a part of a prominent club aiming for Premier League return was the major appeal for me,” he remarked. “Undoubtedly, it will be a tough journey, but if we take it game by game, creating a special atmosphere in the stadium, we might witness a remarkable season. Who knows?”
Originally from Leamington, Ont., to Portuguese parents, Eustaquio relocated to Portugal as a child. Prior to his time at Porto, he played 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.
Eustaquio, with 61 caps for Canada, has represented the nation in the last two World Cups. Notably, at the recent tournament, he secured a stoppage-time winner in Canada’s 1-0 triumph over South Africa in the Round of 32 before Canada was eliminated by Morocco. Additionally, he assumed the captaincy in several matches due to Alphonso Davies’ hamstring injury.
Reflecting on the summer’s events, Eustaquio expressed, “It was an incredible summer for us as a nation to reach such heights in a remarkable tournament. Achieving record-breaking feats was phenomenal, and contributing with a goal against South Africa brought immense joy.”
Eustaquio is set to wear jersey number 46 for Swansea and is poised to potentially debut this weekend against Derby County.