Ex-West Bromwich Albion midfielder John Swift is set to sign for Championship rivals Portsmouth on a free transfer, according to The Express.
The 30-year-old is currently available on a free transfer after being released by West Brom at the end of last season, and is set to sign a two-year deal with an option of a third on the table at Pompey.
According to the report, Portsmouth-born Swift is having his medical today ahead of his move back to the South Coast.
John Swift’s Career So Far
Swift, who was born in Gosport, Portsmouth, spent time at Fratton Park as a schoolboy before joining Premier League giants, moving to Chelsea’s academy. He spent numerous years at the West London club, experiencing temporary loan stints away at the likes of Swindon Town, Rotherham United and Brentford.
The midfielder left Chelsea in 2016, joining League One side Reading on a free transfer in August. Swift spent six years at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, making over 200 appearances in his time, 187 of which came in the Championship, contributing over 70 goals and assists in the process.
A move to the Midlands followed next, with Swift making the move to the Hawthorns on a free transfer in 2022. In three years with the Baggies, he played over 120 times, scoring 19 times and providing a further 12 assists from the midfield position.
With over 330 second-tier caps to his name at four different clubs, it looks like the 30-year-old isn’t done there, and although talks between the player and the club stalled earlier in the window, Swift is set for a reported move back boyhood club, Pompey.
According to The Express, Portsmouth have beaten sides from Scotland, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the USA and other clubs in England for his signature.
Portsmouth Establishing Themselves Back in the Championship
After 12 seasons away from the second tier, John Mousinho’s side returned to the Championship after winning the League One title two seasons ago.
Although at times last season, they looked poor away from home, they survived in the Championship by five points, finishing 16th on 54 points. Now the side need to push on after this, avoiding second-season syndrome, to become a stable side in the second tier.
At the time of writing, the club have four contracted midfielders, meaning it is a position they should, and are looking to recruit in.
Australian Adrian Segecic is the side’s only signing of the window so far, the 21-year-old joining from Sydney FC for an undisclosed fee, but bringing back Swift, in a position the side need players in, on a free transfer, would be a great piece of business to help them achieve this goal.
Writer’s View
Whilst Portsmouth have had a slow window so far, Swift on a free transfer is a low-risk, low-cost, yet high-reward transfer, in a position they need recruitments in.
Staying in the division last season was a success for Portsmouth, but they need to strengthen to repeat and emulate the same success they have had in the past in this division and higher.
