Middlesbrough have shown interest in Hammarby head coach Kim Hellberg, putting a move to Swansea City in doubt. Hellberg, 37, travelled to London late last week for talks with Swansea’s hierarchy, but Boro are now actively pursuing him. He is regarded as one of Scandinavia’s most promising young coaches.
Swansea made Hellberg their number one target after sacking Alan Sheehan, and had spoken to him before appointing Sheehan. Norwich, Southampton and Middlesbrough are among four Championship clubs searching for a new head coach; Boro lost Rob Edwards to Wolves last week.
Hammarby permitted Hellberg to travel to the UK for discussions and have offered him a new contract in hopes of keeping him. Norwich also held brief talks. Hellberg has one year remaining on his current deal.
Adi Viveash is in interim charge of Middlesbrough and preparing the team for Saturday’s Championship fixture against Oxford.
Sky Sports News analyst Lyall Thomas says Hellberg has attracted attention in England after leading Hammarby to second place in the Allsvenskan in 2025. He is praised for developing young players who have been sold on for profit and for an attacking style: Hammarby scored the most goals in Allsvenskan (60) last season and posted the highest expected goals for (xGF) in the division at 1.97 per game. The club will contest a Champions League qualifier next season, though Hellberg may not remain in charge.