Shock Kim Hellberg twist emerges as Middlesbrough poised to beat Swansea City to appointment | OneFootball

Middlesbrough appear to have found their new manager

Kim Hellberg is expected to be named as Middlesbrough’s new manager.

The Swedish boss had been strongly linked with taking over the managerial vacancy at Swansea City, with it reported that the two parties held a meeting in London last week.

Boro have been on the lookout for a new manager since Rob Edwards departed for Premier League outfit Wolves, and may now have found the man to take over at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough to make Kim Hellberg their next manager

Hellberg has been linked with a number of Championship jobs in recent times, due to the increased number of vacancies popping up before the November international break.

It was revealed by Tom Coleman that the Swede was admired by a number of second-tier clubs and it now looks like Middlesbrough will be the one to acquire his services.

According to journalist Anel Avdić via X, Hellberg is expected to move to Boro unless anything unexpected occurs.

Avdić states that a contract has been agreed between the two parties, with Swansea City set to be turned down by Hellberg in the process.

It had been reported that Hammarby, the Swede’s current club, made a last-ditch attempt to retain his services with an improved contract offer, but it seems to have been to no avail.

Swansea have held a long-standing interest in the 37-year-old, having now explored appointing him twice in 2025. Despite meeting with Hellberg in London, the Swans look to have come out second best in this scenario.

Middlesbrough appointment could prove to be an exciting one

Edwards’ departure left Boro supporters hurt due to the brilliant start to the season they have enjoyed, but excitement could pour out of the Riverside once more following the appointment of Hellberg.

The young boss has gained quite a reputation in Sweden due to his tactical prowess and results on the pitch, where he has won 40 of his last 70 matches in charge of Hammarby.

Finishing second in the Allsvenskan table highlights that Hellberg has the experience to fight at the top of a division, which is exactly what Middlesbrough need at this current moment in time.

Given that Swansea have been repeatedly interested in the Swede’s services will also boost the good feeling surrounding the club, knowing that they have stolen the manager away from one of their Championship rivals.

Of course, doubts will linger due to the fact that Hellberg hasn’t managed in the English game before. However, Boro fans will choose to focus on the positives at this moment in time and dream of what they can achieve under their new leader.