Swansea City have completed the transfer of Dutch left-back Dwight Tiendalli on a free transfer, subject to Premier League and international clearance.
The 26-year-old former Holland U21s defender completed his medical at the Liberty today and has joined the Swans until the end of this season.
Tiendalli’s arrival gives Michael Laudrup more options at left-back after Wales international Neil Taylor was ruled out for the season following the home draw with Sunderland last time out.
A free agent after he left FC Twente this summer, Surinam-born Tiendalli will have plenty of familiar faces in the Swans squad as he is a former team-mate of Michel Vorm, Jonathan de Guzman and Kemy Agustien.
And after a discussion with former Feyenoord team-mate de Guzman, he expects to fit in immediately at the Liberty.
“I spoke with Jonathan about the club and all he said was positive things,” said Tiendalli. “He talked very fondly about the people, players and fans here.
“And, of course, the style of football here is very, very attractive. I love this style and it was a big attraction for me.
“I’m looking forward to working under Michael Laudrup, who is a massive name in football, and showing him what I have to offer.
“Playing in the Premier League is something I have always wanted to do – it’s the best league in the world.
“I’m sure I will fit in very well because I share the same philosophy as the club. Having started my career in Ajax’s Youth side, I see the style of play here is one that has a real Dutch and Spanish mix, and that will really suit me.
“I can’t wait to work hard in training and try to force myself into the starting XI.”
Having featured against Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers in the Champions League and Europa League in past seasons, Tiendalli knows what to expect when he gets his first taste of Premier League action.
That could come against Aston Villa this Saturday as Laudrup’s side look to follow up their good start to the campaign.
“I am here to impress the manager as much as possible and try to play as many games as I can,” added Tiendalli.
“I know my opportunity comes after an unfortunate injury for Neil Taylor, but hopefully I can bring experience to the squad and more options for the manager.
“It would be great to play on Saturday against Aston Villa, but my concentration first and foremost is to impress the manager in training and get used to my new team-mates.”
Born in Paramaribo, Surinam, Tiendalli began his career in Ajax’s Youth system before moving to Utrecht, where he linked up with Swans stopper Vorm.
His performances earned him a move to Feyenoord in 2006, where he would play alongside another future Swan in de Guzman.
After a spell on with Sparta Rotterdam, Tiendalli joined Twente in 2009 on a free transfer. While at Twente, Tiendalli would taste Europa League and Champions League action before he left the club this summer.
On the international front, Tiendalli appeared alongside Agustien in the U20 World Cup finals in 2005 while a year later he was named in the team of the tournament as Holland won the Euro U21 Championships.
