Swansea City Plan New Deal for Ethan Galbraith

Ethan Galbraith of Swansea City. Pic: Alamy

Ethan Galbraith of Swansea City. Pic: Alamy

Swansea City are keen to give an improved contract to Ethan Galbraith with head coach Vitor Matos insisting he hopes the midfielder could play for the club for another 10 years.

The Northern Ireland international was acclaimed by his country’s manager Michael O’Neil as the best player on the pitch on Tuesday night, after his team drew 1-1 with Wales.

Galbraith has also been one of his club’s most consistent performers in the Championship this season and along with top scorer Zan Vipotnik is Swansea’s most valuable asset.

The 24-year-old still has two years to run on his current contract - with the option of a third - following his £1.5m move from Leyton Orient last summer.

But aware there is likely to be interest in Galbraith from other clubs this summer, the Swans are also considering an improved deal for the player.

“I never speak about contracts here until after we have signed them,” said Matos.
“Contracts, or future signings, or transfers -  it's something that we do it internally, so let's see.”

But when asked whether he would like to tie down Galbraith on a long-term deal, Matos added: ““I think he's a player we want to see in Swansea for the next 10 years, so let's see how long we can sign the contract.

“But it needs to be a collective approach, something that is not only from me, but is something from the club, because nowadays in football you can see that managers quite often come and go. 

Swansea City Boss Vitor Matos Keen for Renewal of Frank Lampard Battle . . . Armed With Zan Vipotnik Boost

“So, I think in these kinds of situations the manager needs to have the first and the last word, but in the middle there's a lot of discussion that happens where there needs to be a collective approach.”

Galbraith has already played 44 matches for Swansea this season, often used as a right back as well as in midfield.

His comfort in possession, neat skills and range of passing has quickly made him arguably the most influential player in the team and the former Manchester United youngster earned rich praise from O’Neil for his displays against both Wales and Italy, who ended Nothern Ireland’s World Cup ambitions in the play-off semi-final last week.

 "He made a really good choice in the club he went to," O'Neill said of Galbraith’s decision to join the Swans.

"I spoke to him in the summer and he had other options. I think relocating to Swansea was maybe not at the top of his list because he has been in London and Manchester for the majority of his career.

"I've known Ethan since he was 15, 16 years of age, when he was in our age-grade and development squads.

"It took him longer to come through maybe than what we'd hoped and part of that is obviously his development with his club.

"But I think over this season, the player we always knew [was there has come through]."

O'Neill says there is more to come from Galbraith, who has the ability to develop into a "top-class player".

"I think where he has improved is physically in the Championship," he added.

"He's able to compete, he covers the ground, his physical data is high, but it's his ability to retain the ball - his technical level is extremely high.

"For me, his best position is definitely in midfield in our team."

Galbraith, however, may be missing when Matos’s men resume their Championship campaign away at Sheffield United on Friday, due to a calf injury picked up at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night.

Swansea will definitely be without defender Josh Key for their trip to the Blades, who lay three places and two points behind Swansea in 17th position.

 

Related News

Wrexham goalkeeper Danny Ward. Pic: Alamy

Danny Ward Insists Revived Wrexham are Ready to Push for Play-Offs Again

Danny Ward has admitted it has been tough watching Wrexham from the sidelines, but the pain has been eased by their promotion-chasing form.

Paul Jones | 49 minutes ago
Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy celebrates. Pic: Alamy

Cardiff City Are Up . . . And It's Relief and Vindication for Brian Barry-Murphy

Brian Barry-Murphy has spoken of his relief as much as his joy of leading Cardiff City to promotion.

Gareth James | 23 hours ago
Vitor Matos manager of Swansea City. Pic. Alamy

Swansea City Boss Vitor Matos Insists Saints are Holy the Best

Vitor Matos believes Swansea City will, on Saturday, face the most demanding challenge the Championship currently offers - Southampton.

Graham Thomas | Apr 18, 2026
Wales' Sophie Ingle. Pic: Alamy

Wales Look to Sophie Ingle for More Inspiration . . . at 150 Not Out

As far as part one of the April international break is concerned, it was an emphatic case of job done for Wales, as Ian Mitchelmore reports.

Ian Mitchelmore | Apr 17, 2026
Brian Barry-Murphy is a happy man at Cardiff City. Pic: Alamy

Cardiff City Poised to Enjoy Their Reward For Faith in Brian Barry-Murphy

Cardiff City may have had a few trips and stumbles over recent weeks, but the finish line is zooming ever closer into their sights.

Ian Mitchelmore | Apr 17, 2026
Calum Chambers of Cardiff City. Pic. Alamy

Cardiff City Skipper Calum Chambers to Miss Promotion Party

Cardiff City skipper Calum Chambers is set to miss out on his side’s potential promotion party at Reading this weekend.

Rob Cole | Apr 16, 2026