Swansea City have hit another snag in their hopes of appointing Vitor Matos as their next manager, according to reports in Portugal.
The Jacks are in need of a new head coach after the sacking of Alan Sheehan prior to the November international break. Multiple names were considered before the club decided on Kim Hellberg as their preferred option, only to be beaten by the Swedish manager by Middlesbrough. Matos then became the leading candidate, with negotiations beginning earlier this week.
Maritimo Statement Released
Previous reports had stated that Swansea City were set to table an offer to Matos, who has seen success in England as the 3rd in command at Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool between 2019 and the German’s departure in 2024. After a brief stint in Austria with RB Salzburg, Matos took his first senior management role with Maritimo in Portugal’s 2nd division.
With reports circulating that Matos was Swansea’s key target, Maritimo have released a statement in regards to Matos, confirming interest from the South Wales team but stating their position that City must meet his €1 million release clause in order to sign the 37-year-old.
Portuguese outlet A BOLA have also revealed the Madeira side want the clause paid out in full, with Swansea hoping to pay out in installments. Reports from Wales Online have suggested that this fee is an issue for City, giving optimism to Maritimo of keeping their head coach.
Swansea will now enter the weekend under a caretaker boss, having previously hoped to have appointed a new boss by the time they play Bristol City this weekend. Darren O’Dea will lead the Jacks at Ashton Gate.
Collapse Possible?
With these newest developments, there is a distinct possibility Swansea will fail to get their 2nd choice target should they refuse to pay the demanded clause by Maritimo. Despite his limited experience in charge in senior football, it seemed that City and their owners were confident in his ability to improve their fortunes this season and going forward.
Should a deal for Matos collapse, it would leave the club back at square one in appointing a new boss. Former manager Russell Martin remains on the market following his disastrous spell at Rangers, and a reunion with their former man could happen if Swansea fail to meet Maritimo’s demand.
