Crystal Palace are apparently considering a bid for Swansea City manager Vitor Matos, with Pierre Sage’s future at Selhurst Park uncertain.

According to TeamTALK, the Eagles manager is in serious risk of losing his job following a humiliating 5-0 defeat to rivals Brighton in the M23 derby last weekend, in which they fell three goals behind in the first ten minutes.

Meanwhile, Matos is drawing Premier League interest for good reason, as the 38-year-old has excelled in South Wales since taking over in November 2025.

Despite a setback to West Ham over the weekend, Swansea remain top of the Championship table, with seven wins from their first 11 league games establishing them as one of the division’s elite clubs in the early stages of the season.

However, Swansea fans will be concerned that they will lose Matos, with the draw of a Premier League team that is too active in a European competition potentially turning him off.

Swansea City and Crystal Palace’s start to the season

Swansea and Crystal Palace have had different fortunes at the start of the season, with the Swans riding high at the top and the Eagles facing relegation after such a terrible start under Pierre Sage.

Swansea are currently at the top of the Championship rankings after a brilliant first 11 games, with seven victories putting them on track for 23 points, one point ahead of West Ham and Middlesbrough.

A tight 1-0 setback to the Hammers was only their second of the season, and despite the fact that they created numerous chances, they would have thought they should have won.

Meanwhile, after so many high spots in recent years, Crystal Palace has fallen down to earth, with the Eagles staring over their shoulders after yet another frightening performance under Pierre Sage.

A 5-0 thrashing away at Brighton summed up Sage’s difficulties thus far, with only two Premier League victories, both of which were judged fortunate, leaving top executives at the club concerned about the team’s direction during the Frenchman’s stay.

After such an awful defeat, Palace is 14th in the Premier League with seven points, just two points ahead of the bottom three.

As a result, Palace could be looking for a change soon, with the club hoping that Vitor Matos can have a similar early effect as he did at Swansea.

Crystal Palace considering Vitor Matos as a potential Pierre Sage successor.

According to a report by TeamTALK, Crystal Palace are considering hiring Swansea City manager Vitor Matos to replace Pierre Sage if the Eagles’ bad run continues.

While Palace accepted that a transition would take time, last week’s crushing setback at the hands of Brighton has left senior individuals at the club questioning Sage’s ability to lead the club ahead.

Behind the scenes, it is understood that intermediaries are already working to present alternative options to chairman Steve Parish and the club’s leadership, with Matos being one of the targets under consideration.

Palace are also said to have shortlisted Rob Edwards, Scott Parker, and Kieran McKenna, with Matos being a favourite due to his outstanding tenure with the Swans.

The Eagles are now expected to analyse the issue and decide what to do next, with a Europa League encounter with Besiktas in midweek seen as crucial for Sage’s future.

Swansea City will be desperate to retain Vitor Matos.

Vitor Matos has done an excellent job at Swansea since taking over the club in November 2025, converting it into a squad with genuine aspirations of returning to the Premier League.

But, as is the nature of the beast, top-flight clubs have the ability to entice managers from the second tier, with the pull of the Premier League almost too appealing to turn down.

Vitor Matos’ Swansea City championship record since taking charge in November 2025 (Transfermarkt)

Games

Wins

Draws

Defeats

Points per game (PPG).

1.71

The Swans will be hoping Matos remains loyal to the club and wants to see the project through, since the 38-year-old is well-liked and regarded in South Wales for his current role.

Going to a club like Palace would mean high expectations and pressure to turn things around, and an appointment like this is likely to spark furious criticism at Selhurst Park, considering Matos’ lack of experience in the top division.

It would undoubtedly be a risk for Matos, but in order to avoid a future move, Swansea must ensure that Matos is signed to a new deal and that they continue on their upward trajectory.

It will be a worrying period for everyone involved with the Welsh team, who will be hoping that Palace can turn things around under Pierre Sage after a difficult start.