On June 28th, Swansea confirmed the signing of Bissau-Guinean born,Portuguese striker Eder. The reported fee was £5 million and the 27 year old signed a three-year deal after joining from SC Braga.
Before playing for Braga, Eder played for Oliveira Hospital in 2006 scoring 7 goals in 26 games, before playing 42 times for playing 42 times for Tourizense scoring 11 goals. However by the Summer of 2012 Eder was an Academica player. He made his debut on the 24th August 2008 and during his tenure at the club he scored 12 goals in 83 appearances. During the 2011-12 season he scored 5 goals in 16 appearances and helped Academica to their first Portuguese Cup since 1939. However he only featured in the early rounds of the cup as the end of his Academica career turned sour with Eder being suspended for failing to turn up for training. This may have come down to an increasing interest in him and indeed it lead to his departure.
In the summer of 2012 Eder joined Braga on a four-year deal. He made his debut on September 2nd 2012, and went on to score 26 goals in 60 appearances. Notable events in his Braga career include scoring against FC Porto in a Braga win in the Fifth Round of the 2012-13 Portuguese Cup. He had a good first half of the 2012-13 season however suffered a ligament tear in early March, causing him to miss the rest of the season. Braga won the Portuguese League Cup in Eder's first season. Last season his Braga side reached the Portuguese Cup final, playing Sporting. Eder opened the scoring, with a penalty given away by new Southampton signing but then Sporting player Cedric Soares who was subsequently sent off. However Braga went on to lose after a 2-2 draw led to a penalty shoot-out where Eder missed a penalty. This would be his last Braga appearance.
During his time at Braga, he choose to play for Portugal. Since his debut as a substitute for Helder Postiga, against Azerbaijan on September 11th 2012, Eder has played 18 times for Portugal and scored once, in his latest cap, a 1-0 win over Italy in June 2015. He was called up for the 2014 Portugal World Cup squad and featured as a sub in two of Portugal's three games.
Eder joins Swansea in his prime. At 27 years old, the 6ft 3in striker is at the peak of his powers. He will give Swansea a new attacking edge with his speed and strength. His prowess in the air and good positioning will make him a danger in the box and alongside Bafetimbi Gomis, Swansea now will hope to be able to fill the gap left by Wilfried Bony's departure.
Which signing should I profile next?
Thanks for reading,
James
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