West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbray has admitted that there have been no discussions regarding a contract extension for midfielder John Swift, whose deal at The Hawthorns expires at the end of the season.
Despite an impressive recent run of form, in which he has scored three goals in seven games, Swift’s future remains uncertain, with Mowbray confirming that securing new terms for the 28-year-old has not been a priority.
“It’s not something that me and John have talked about,” Mowbray told BBC Radio WM. “I want John to enjoy his football, he’s a wonderful footballer.
“I don’t know the answer [whether Swift will stay] but if John’s not going to be here next year, what’s important for him is to perform well on the pitch and get as many suitors as he can.
“I like him, he’s an experienced footballer and he understands the situation. Let’s get to the end of the season and see what’s happened. Then it’s easier for people to make decisions on what’s next.”
John Swift Career Progression
Swift started at Soccer City before spells with Portsmouth and Chelsea’s youth setups, rejoining the Blues in 2007. He progressed through Chelsea’s academy, winning the FA Youth Cup and U21 Premier League before making his senior debut in 2014. Loan spells followed at Rotherham, Swindon, and Brentford, where he impressed with seven goals in the 2015–16 season.
In 2016, he joined Reading, scoring on his debut and becoming a key player. Swift signed a five-year contract in 2017 and was nominated for EFL Young Player of the Year. A standout moment came in 2021 when he scored a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against QPR. In 2022, he joined West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer, again scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough. Swift remains an influential midfielder in the Championship.
What’s Next for Swift and West Brom?
Swift, who has scored 18 goals in 114 league appearances for West Brom, will likely attract interest from Championship and Premier League clubs if he becomes a free agent in the summer. For now, however, his focus remains on helping the Baggies secure a play-off spot.
Meanwhile, Mowbray’s men will look to return to winning ways against Hull as they aim to strengthen their promotion push.
Writer’s View
The uncertainty surrounding John Swift’s contract raises questions about West Brom’s long-term strategy. Losing an experienced and in-form midfielder for free would be a blow, but financial constraints may be at play. As for Joe Wildsmith, Mowbray’s faith in his goalkeeper is commendable, but with the stakes rising in the promotion race, every mistake will be scrutinised.
