Swansea midfielder Matt Grimes has reportedly signed a new contract, putting an end to speculation of a move to Southampton. This deal is significant for both Swansea and Southampton, as it allows Swansea to retain one of their key midfielders and potentially impacts Southampton’s ability to replace recently departed players. Grimes previously praised former Swansea boss Russell Martin and expressed his happiness at staying with the club, highlighting the team’s growth and confidence in each other.

Swansea midfielder Matt Grimes has put an end to all speculation linking him with a move away from the Swansea.com Stadium – with reports claiming that he has signed a new contract.

Rumours over the summer suggested that the midfielder, 28, was set to reconvene with former Swans boss duo Russell Martin and Ryan Manning at St. Mary’s, after the boss took over closer to his south coast roots, and taking Manning with him on a free contract.

But, in a shock twist, Grimes is set to prolong his stay under Michael Duff after Football Insider claimed that the Exeter youth product has signed a new deal – which will scupper Martin’s plans somewhat.

What does the report state?

The report from Football Insider suggests that Swansea captain Grimes has agreed a new contract at the south Wales club, which all but ends any speculation linking him with a potential move to Southampton to follow former boss Russell Martin.

Having signed his previous contract in 2021 to run through to June 2025, his new deal will likely go on further than that, which would take Grimes to his 31st birthday.

Why is Matt Grimes’ new contract significant?

Essentially, this deal has huge implications at both ends of the English Football League. Firstly, it allows Swansea to keep one of their star midfielders. Having lost Flynn Downes to last season, alongside Olivier Ntcham over the past two seasons, the influxes of Charlie Patino and Joe Allen with the retention of Grimes means that the core of Swansea’s midfield is still there.

Elsewhere, it has a potential effect on Southampton’s ability to replace skipper James Ward-Prowse and Belgian talent Romeo Lavia, both of whom have completed moves to the Premier League in the last week. With Grimes a reported target throughout the summer for the Saints, it means they could be forced to look at other targets – and with Will Smallbone out with injury, they could panic in the window with just two weeks to go.