Swansea City have announced that Ben Stevens has joined the club has the side’s new sporting director, following the departure of Richard Montague.

Stevens joins the Swans from Crystal Palace, and will being his role ahead of the new season on July 10.

The transfer guru has spent more than 11 years at Palace, holding roles including head of performance and recruitment analysis, and – most recently – assistant sporting director.

With his help, Palace has enjoyed historic success as a club in the last 12 months, lifting the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League in that time.

Prior to that, Stevens spent four years with Newcastle United and served as their head of performance analysis.

“I would like to thank Tom [Gorringe] and the board for their support during the hiring process and giving me the opportunity to work alongside Vitor, the backroom staff and players in the role of sporting director,” Stevens said.

“Having worked in a number of roles at a variety of clubs over the last 20 years I believe it gives me the necessary attributes to help maximise the club’s potential.

“I believe in the project at Swansea City and the club has huge potential and am excited at the prospect of bringing everyone together on this journey to help us achieve future success.”

“I am sure you will all join me in giving Ben a warm welcome to the club,” added Swansea City chief executive, Tom Gorringe.

“He has helped Crystal Palace enjoy the most successful period in their history and, out of respect for Ben and Palace, we have chosen to formally announce his appointment following the conclusion of their season and their European success.

“We look forward to Ben getting down to work at Fairwood in the coming weeks.”

Swansea have been busy behind the scenes in recent days, with the club also confirming a reshuffle of Matos’ coaching staff.

In comes Pedro Pereira as Swansea’s new head of goalkeeping, alongside the appointment of Jay Lefevre as head of recruitment.

The final change comes as assistant head coach Ryan Maye leaves the club by mutual consent.

Pereira will join the Swans having most recently held the role of goalkeeping coach at Red Bull Salzburg.

The Portuguese coach and Matos worked together at the Austrian club as well as with Porto earlier in their careers, with Pereira boasting more than 15 years of coaching experience and also having stints at clubs such as Al Sadd and Famalicao.

Lefevre joined Swansea City as chief scout in December 2025 from Celtic, and will report into the club’s new sporting director, Ben Stevens.

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