Nelson Oliveira

Benfica to Swansea (loan)

Benfica striker Nelson Oliveira has agreed to a loan to Swansea City in the English Premier League until the end of the season. Much touted earlier in his career, Oliveira has stagnated. Having only made a handful of appearances for Benfica’s first team this season, a loan deal looked likely, and despite joining a team in such a challenging and difficult league, there’s every indication that Oliveira will see playing time. 

Currently at Swansea, starting striker Wilfried Bony is backed-up by French striker Bafetimbi Gomis. Bony has been in great form this season, and is arguably on of the team’s most important players. But with the Africa Cup of Nations in January, Bony will depart for about a month in January to represent the Ivory Coast, leaving just Gomis to fulfill striking duties. Now with Nelson Oliveira on board, the team has cover, as well as options. Oliveira will likely play second-fiddle to Gomis, but there is no reason why he can’t steal the starting spot, provided he performs well.

Nelson Oliveira had some words to say about his move to Swansea (taken from the Swansea City website):

“I’m really looking forward to it,’’ declared Oliveira. “I already know quite a bit about Swansea and it was their style of play and the ambience at the club that attracted me. It was an easy decision to make.”

“The deal was agreed early so I can spend an extra 10 days in Swansea training with the squad and getting to know my new teammates. That way I hope to be ready to offer my services to the team that much earlier.”

“I want to prepare properly for the challenge. It’s going to be a big challenge because I have a lot of respect for fellow strikers Wilfried Bony and Bafetimbi Gomis.”