Middlesbrough defender Nathan Wood- Gordon has signed a two year deal plus a one year option with Swansea City for an undisclosed fee this morning. Out of favour Wood is seen as a strong addition to the first team squad. Only turning twenty two weeks ago Nathan is the son of ex footballer Dean Gordon.

From an early age Nathan who uses the surname Wood was noted as an all round athlete, not only as a sprinter but as a high jumper as well. Currently he can complete a clear sub thirteen second one hundred metres time. At thirteen he recorded a time of just over thirteen seconds. He is physically strong with obvious pace and can also play in midfield but prefers playing the the centre of defence on the right side. He is another player that swans boss Russell Martin wants who is pacey and physical with enough attributes to play in any defensive position.

Aged just over sixteen he made his debut for Middlesbrough, still the youngest player to make his debut for the Teessiders. His first club was Stockton Town where Boro first spotted him as a stand out player for his age. He has only played thirteen games in the past two seasons on loan at Hibernian and Crewe Alexandra. However his England career has gone from strength to strength playing at four levels the most recent for the under 20 side. He has twenty three caps in total, five of those for the under 20 side.

His games for England at St George’s Park revealed a very confident player on the ball with maturity and displays beyond his years. Time will tell if that is reflected at the swans. Mauricio Pochettino Once described him as a the real deal after watching him in the England under 17 side.

Boro manager Chris Wilder didn’t ‘fancy him’ this season as an option and the swans who have monitored the twenty year old this season were keen to complete a deal quickly. Wood was linked with numerous premier league clubs a few seasons back and he see’s this opportunity at Swansea as a chance to reignite the rave reviews he received only two seasons ago. The swans have allocated him the number twenty three shirt in the first team squad despite the fact he is under 21 which confirms Martin’s faith in his new signings ability. Having been kept out of the Middlesbrough first team by Sol Bamba last season the swans have an opportunity to develop Nathan and haven’t so much as unearthed a despondent talent but offered him every opportunity for a successful season come the end of July..

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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