Swansea City boss Francesco Guidolin has backed Borja Baston to succeed in the Premier League

11th August

Francesco Guidolin reckons Borja Baston has all the tools required to be a Premier League star after Swansea City landed the striker in a club-record deal.

Borja has arrived from Atletico Madrid after the Swans stumped £15.5 million to secure his services.

And Guidolin believes the 23-year-old, who scored 18 La Liga goals while on loan at Eibar last season, will prove to be a good value signing.

"He is a young player but I think he is a very good player," the Swans manager said.

"The future is in his hands. He is here to help us improve week after week, and for him to have the possibility to play.

"I am happy to have him here as one of our players, and I am also happy with the group we have.

"I think Borja can justify his price tag. He was expensive, but I think he is a good signing. I think it's a good deal for us."

Guidolin indicated that Borja will not be involved in the Swans' Premier League opener at Burnley this weekend having only just met his new team-mates.

But fellow new boy Fernando Llorente is expected to feature as the Swans go in search of victory against Sean Dyche's newly-promoted Clarets side.

"Borja has just arrived and I have to respect the group, the players who did the pre-season in the USA from the beginning of July," Guidolin added.

The Swans have this week sold Ashley Williams to Everton, and Guidolin wants a new centre-back to replace the departed club captain as his last signing of the summer.

"We need a new central defender, although I am happy with my group and there is no rush," he said.

"We almost have two teams, with two players in each position, and that's good for me.

"But I am speaking with the chairman about a new centre-back. We have a shortlist, but there's no rush and right now the focus is on our first game against Burnley.

"For me we only need one more signing - a central defender."

Guidolin on the loss of Ashley Williams

"I want to say something about Ash. He was very important for me when I arrived for my first experience of the Premier League.

"I would like to thank him for the help he gave me. He was a real captain and I respect his decision to leave for a new challenge.

"I wish him all the best. I speak often with Alan Curtis about the fantastic history of Swansea, and I know Ash is a very important part of this history. I am sure the fans will never forget him.

"When a player wants a new challenge, it is correct to respect his decision. I knew there was interest from Everton but I decided to stay out. I believe when a player decides to go, it's better to let him go."

Guidolin on who will captain the Swans next

"I think if Leon Britton plays, he is the captain. After that, we have to make a decision.

"I believe it's important to have a captain, but it's more important to have a good relationship with three or four senior players, like Ash, Leon and Angel (Rangel) last season.

"In Italy normally the club decides who the captain will be at the start of the season. I need to speak with the club about this."

Guidolin on Burnley

"It's important to start well in our first game, but it's important for our opponents as well. We have to be ready because Burnley have just been promoted and they are strong and compact.

"I said to my players - remember last year two promoted teams, Watford and Bournemouth, had good seasons.

"This season we have to be humble and modest. We have to understand our mistakes from last season to do well this season.

"One mistake, for example, was that last season we were first in the table for set-piece goals conceded. This is one thing we have to improve, and there are others."

Guidolin on the season ahead

"I think my team is ready. I think we have had a good pre-season. We have worked hard every day.

"I am proud of my players. Now we have to play good games, with focus, passion, heart and soul.

"I am confident. I hope to see my team play good football with good results."

READ MORE . . .