Swansea City sign Rangers target in big surprise announcement

The defender was reportedly a target for Valencia and Rangers but has decided to move to Swansea

Swansea City have signed Ipswich Town defender Cameron Burgess, the club has announced

The 29-year-old centre-back becomes the fourth signing of the summer and fifth new arrival under new permanent boss Alan Sheehan. It follows the acquisitions of defender Ricardo Santos on a free transfer, with Melker Widell, Zeidane Inoussa and Bobby Wales already joining the club's ranks.

Burgess has signed a three-year deal at the club, who fought off interest from a number of other sides. He had been linked to Rangers, Valencia and Girona in recent days, with his Ipswich contract due to expire.

He has 17 caps for Australia and has just helped the Socceroos secure their place at the 2026 World Cup finals.

Burgess was a key man in Ipswich's rise to the Premier League and made 18 top-flight appearances last season.

Head coach Alan Sheehan said: “We are delighted that Cameron will be joining us at Swansea City.

"He is an experienced and consistent performer that has seen him rise up through the divisions in the last few years and become a full international.

"During our conversations Cameron really bought in to what we are trying to do at Swansea and I believe he will be a great addition for us on and off the pitch driving standards throughout the club, and we look forward to getting to work with him.”

Director of football Richard Montague added: “We are very pleased to have been able to add a player of Cameron’s pedigree and experience to our squad ahead of the new season.

“To bring in a player who has recently played Premier League football and been part of a successful period at his previous club is very positive.

“There was considerable interest in Cameron from a number of clubs, and we are delighted he felt that Swansea City was the right choice for him.”

Global head of analytics and recruitment, Adam Worth, said: “Moving into this summer we were aware of the need to try and ensure we complement the youthful element of our squad with players who are proven performers at this level.

“Cameron undoubtedly meets that criteria, and arrives with us fresh from playing in the Premier League with Ipswich.

“We are excited to see what he can bring to Swansea City in the coming season and the years ahead.”