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Argentine international defender Federico Fernandez has completed a move from Napoli to Swansea for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club announced.
The Welsh side will be looking at Fernandez as the solution to their defensive concerns following the departure of three of their regular back five earlier this summer. Spanish international Chico Flores scooted off to join ex-Swansea manager Michael Laudrup at Qatari club Lekhwiya SC. Meanwhile, the duo of Ben Davies and Michel Vorm joined Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.
Fernández, who was earlier loaned out to Spanish La Liga side Getafe in the 2012/13 and Miramar earlier in the 2013/14 season itself, made an impressive comeback at Napoli last season, becoming a regular under Rafa Benitez.
The Argentine international ended up making 34 appearances, helping them to a third place finish in the standings and a victory in the Copa Italia.
His performances were duly recognized as he was awarded a spot in Alejandro Sabella’s final 23-man squad for the recently concluded FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The 6ft 2in centre-back also featured in our list of top four centre-back pairing of Serie-A last season.
Swansea boss Garry Monk was full of praise for Fernandez last week while speaking of Fernandez to the media, saying: “He is at a good age for us and will suit Swansea City.
"We want players who add quality to the squad and he will."
Fernandez also sounded optimistic about his future in the English game, speaking in his interview with the club’s official site: “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,” said the 25-year-old.
“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 also sent a message thanking Napoli fans for their support during his time at Stadio San Paolo.
