Swansea City have moved quickly to open discussions with highly rated Hammarby IF boss Kim Hellberg, with the Championship side described as keen to appoint the 37-year-old following the departure of Alan Sheehan.
Swansea find themselves back in the market for a new head coach after parting company with Alan Sheehan, a decision taken in the aftermath of a heavy defeat that extended their losing run to 4 matches.
The Welsh club had initially hoped Sheehan would guide them through a period of transition, yet a slide to 18th in the Championship forced a change of direction. The timing of the international break has provided an opportunity to reset and ensure that the next appointment is made with clarity and purpose.
Hellberg Identified as Leading Candidate
Talks have now been held with Kim Hellberg, who has earned widespread praise during his progress through Swedish football. Currently in charge of Hammarby IF, Hellberg is regarded as meticulous in his preparation and highly attentive to detail, qualities that have impressed sporting directors and players who have worked alongside him.
His preferred 4 2 3 1 system would also align with the squad Swansea have inherited, a group that has spent the last year adapting to a similar structure.
Swansea City are understood to be keen on Hammarby boss Kim Hellberg as they look to replace Alan Sheehan.@SkySportsNews understands the club have held initial talks with the 37-year-old Swedish coach and he is one of a number of targets for their head coach vacancy. pic.twitter.com/2kDeOseywj
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) November 12, 2025
Figures inside the game who know Hellberg well describe him as an ambitious young coach with a clear tactical identity. Although he lacks the years of experience that some Championship managers possess, Swansea view his profile as one that could grow with the club.
His work in Sweden has been noted for the development of players within organised frameworks, something Swansea see as essential given their recruitment model and financial approach.
Sheehan Exit Creates Urgency Behind the Scenes
The decision to remove Sheehan was shaped by a combination of declining results and an overall loss of momentum. His tenure lasted 6 months and brought 17 wins in 39 matches, but recent performances against sides around them in the table left the hierarchy concerned about the trajectory of the season.
Swansea City can confirm the club has parted ways with head coach Alan Sheehan.
👉 https://t.co/BAeyTU3qK2 pic.twitter.com/Q7ZnWqCJBO
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) November 11, 2025
Senior figures at the club thanked Sheehan for his professionalism, work ethic and commitment across two spells at the Liberty Stadium, yet acknowledged that a change was necessary in order to stabilise the team.
There is a desire within the ownership group, spearheaded by Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen, to avoid repeated managerial turnover. Swansea have had difficulty maintaining continuity across several campaigns, and the hope is that the next head coach will provide a longer-term structure for a squad built around technical, possession-based principles.
With their next league match scheduled for 22 November at home to Bristol City, the club have been working at pace to ensure a fresh appointment is in place before the Championship schedule resumes.
The club are continuing to assess other candidates, yet Hellberg has emerged as a prominent name early in the process. Swansea are keen to avoid a rushed decision, but with the season approaching a crucial phase, the desire for stability is clear.
