Matos confirms defender Ward's Swansea exit
Joel Ward won the FA Cup during his time at Crystal Palace
- Published
Vitor Matos has confirmed Joel Ward has left Swansea City following the expiration of his short-term deal with the club.
The versatile right-back joined the Swans in January for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.
He featured 16 times across all competitions for the Championship club in the second half of last season, although just three of those outings were starts.
"Joel was really important for us character-wise last season," Matos said.
"He came in during a moment of the season where we were really in need of someone with his experience and leadership. He could cover more than one position as well.
"This season, we decided that we can go in different directions."
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Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, Swansea confirmed they were in talks with Ward over the possibility of extending his time at the club.
However, Matos was eager to wish the defender well for the future after Swansea opted against offering the former Crystal Palace man fresh terms.
"He will have a brilliant future in what he decides to be, even if he is a manager or another role in football, or even not in football because he is a wonderful person with really good values," added Matos.
"I just wish him all the best."
First-choice right-back Josh Key is now in the final year of his contract at Swansea - who have allowed Sam Parker to join Wycombe Wanderers on loan.
They have welcomed academy product Filip Lissah back into the squad this summer following his successful season-long loan with Scottish side Falkirk last term.
