Vitor Matos says Ross Stewart has not been signed as a replacement for Zan Vipotnik and believes Swansea City can operate with three senior strikers in their squad in 2026-27.
Swansea have landed a proven Championship performer after signing Scotland international Stewart on a three-year deal.
The former Southampton player joins Vipotnik â last season's second-tier top scorer with 23 league goals â and ÂŁ6m former Celtic frontman Idah on Swansea's books.
While Swansea are conscious that Vipotnik and Idah could yet be the subject of transfer interest in this summer's window, Matos insists he can keep his three forwards happy.
"There's a lot of games to come, a lot of competitions to participate in, and I think having a squad with depth in all positions is quite important for us," said the Swansea head coach.
"It's something that we felt last season in some moments was a little bit tricky. I remember when I was sitting here in December and everyone asked why we only have Zan Vipotnik as a striker and I needed I think maybe three press conferences to try to justify that.
"Now I'm justifying the opposite. I think it's important to have that depth and then trying to squeeze the best out of the squad."
Vipotnik, 24, has been linked with clubs across Europe in the wake of his spectacular 2025-26 campaign, but Swansea have indicated there have been no bids yet for the Slovenia international.
Republic of Ireland player Idah, 25, will be aiming to make a bigger impression in his second year at Swansea having played second fiddle to Vipotnik â and suffered a serious hamstring injury â last term.
The arrival of 30-year-old Stewart, who was a free agent after failing to agree a new deal at Southampton, means there will be fierce competition for a place in Swansea's attack.
But Matos is adamant the former Sunderland player has not been recruited because one his other forwards is likely to be sold.
"We signed Ross because we believe it was an opportunity for us to catch a player with that right type of profile," he added.
"It's nothing related to [Vipotnik] leaving or not. It's just what was a [good] opportunity.
"He brings leadership in a position where we needed experience of the league. He offers the same spontaneity in terms of the penalty box that Vipi (Vipotnik) has, he offers the same physicality that Adam can offer as well. So I think it's a good combination with what we have at the moment."
Swansea have landed a proven Championship performer after signing Scotland international Stewart on a three-year deal.
The former Southampton player joins Vipotnik â last season's second-tier top scorer with 23 league goals â and ÂŁ6m former Celtic frontman Idah on Swansea's books.
While Swansea are conscious that Vipotnik and Idah could yet be the subject of transfer interest in this summer's window, Matos insists he can keep his three forwards happy.
"There's a lot of games to come, a lot of competitions to participate in, and I think having a squad with depth in all positions is quite important for us," said the Swansea head coach.
"It's something that we felt last season in some moments was a little bit tricky. I remember when I was sitting here in December and everyone asked why we only have Zan Vipotnik as a striker and I needed I think maybe three press conferences to try to justify that.
"Now I'm justifying the opposite. I think it's important to have that depth and then trying to squeeze the best out of the squad."
Vipotnik, 24, has been linked with clubs across Europe in the wake of his spectacular 2025-26 campaign, but Swansea have indicated there have been no bids yet for the Slovenia international.
Republic of Ireland player Idah, 25, will be aiming to make a bigger impression in his second year at Swansea having played second fiddle to Vipotnik â and suffered a serious hamstring injury â last term.
The arrival of 30-year-old Stewart, who was a free agent after failing to agree a new deal at Southampton, means there will be fierce competition for a place in Swansea's attack.
But Matos is adamant the former Sunderland player has not been recruited because one his other forwards is likely to be sold.
"We signed Ross because we believe it was an opportunity for us to catch a player with that right type of profile," he added.
"It's nothing related to [Vipotnik] leaving or not. It's just what was a [good] opportunity.
"He brings leadership in a position where we needed experience of the league. He offers the same spontaneity in terms of the penalty box that Vipi (Vipotnik) has, he offers the same physicality that Adam can offer as well. So I think it's a good combination with what we have at the moment."
Related Coverage
- BBCRoss Stewart: Swansea City sign Scotland striker after Southampton exit â BBCRoss Stewart will add another attacking dimension says Matos
- BBCRoss Stewart will add another attacking dimension says Matos â Swansea City
- Swansea City in Zan Vipotnik transfer statement as new signing arrives â Wales Online
- Former Saints striker Ross Stewart joins Championship rivals â Daily Echo
