Tiago Parente | It's a great opportunity to show the player I am
Tiago Parente is determined to make the most of his Swansea City opportunity after completing his loan move from Benfica ahead of the new season.
The 20-year-old, who made his senior debut for the Portuguese giants in May 2025, will provide the Swans with an additional option on the left side of defence, as well as competition and cover for Josh Tymon.
Having come through the ranks at Benfica, Parente is now relishing the chance to test himself in the Championship and believes Swansea City can provide the ideal environment for him to continue his development.
"I’m very happy to be here,” he said. "I want to thank everyone for welcoming me so far and I know the fans will do the same.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for me. I want to show the player I am and the support I can give to this club.
“I see this as a very historic club. I think it’s a club that has been investing a lot in players, as well as the academy. The coaching staff are also Portuguese, which has been a massive help for me.
“In the short time I’ve been here, I believe this is a team that can help me. I’m confident and I feel this move will do me good and help me grow in the future. I hope I can contribute a lot to the team and I’m going to give my all.”
Parente was in attendance at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday as the Swans rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 victory over CD Leganés.
It gave the Portuguese defender his first opportunity to experience his new surroundings and sample the atmosphere he will soon experience as a Swansea City player.
“My first impression upon arriving at the stadium was very good,” he added. “It’s a beautiful stadium and the culture here in Wales is very different. I’ve felt that since I arrived.
“I think it will be good for me and I’m motivated to step onto the pitch and give my best.”
Parente spent his entire youth career at Benfica and has represented Portugal’s intermediate teams since 2023, registering 38 international caps along the way.
Now, with supporters eagerly awaiting their first opportunity to see their new arrival in competitive action, the left-back offered an insight into the qualities and mentality he hopes to bring to Swansea City.
“I think every player has their strengths and areas to improve,” he acknowledged. “I believe I’m a player who steps onto the field and tries to give my all. In training as well, I like to push myself every day.
“I’m a focused player who wants to grow more and more each day. I think this is a step that I need and I’m ready for it.
“I just want to give my all and show the club, the fans and everyone who works day by day that I’m settled and that I feel at home.
“Since I was little, I’ve watched the Premier League and the Championship. I’ve seen that they are great leagues and are at the top, if not the best in the world.
“I’ve looked at the Championship and I know it will be good for me. I’m ready to give my all and I’m very happy to be here.”
Parente is now preparing for the chance of a first taste of competitive action in Swansea City colours, with the defender set to be in contention for Saturday’s Carabao Cup tie against Birmingham City.
The new arrival will wear the number 20 shirt for the Swans as he begins his first season in English football.
While Parente is aware there will be an adjustment period as he adapts to a new country and a new style of football, his focus is firmly on embracing the challenge and making the most of the opportunity in front of him.
“My goal is to grow as a player,” he continued. “I know that my teammates have the ability and maturity to help me do that.
“The first few months will be more difficult to adapt because it’s a new country and it’s the first time I’ve been outside Portugal. But I think that’s part of my individual goals. Looking at my future, I think it’s a good opportunity and I just have to grab it.
“My motivation is getting stronger every day. I will give my best and show that I deserve this opportunity and much more.”