Credit: Imago

Niall Togher

Fri 13 June 2025 7:00, UK

John Swift’s time at West Brom is over after they opted not to renew his contract.

As the Baggies prepare for their new era under Ryan Mason, many familiar faces will leave The Hawthorns at the end of June.

Among those who are departing is Swift, whose three-year stay in the Black Country comes to an end after a disappointing season.

Swift ready to leave West Brom behind

Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana are another couple of big names moving on, with attention to switch the other way soon for Mason.

Naturally, supporters are going to be excited about what new faces join ahead of the new season.

However, allowing a Championship-proven player in Swift to leave without receiving a fee could come back to bite the Albion.

According to The News (12 June), multiple clubs are chasing the free agent, with Portsmouth one of four in the Championship.

The former Reading man has also attracted interest from abroad, with sides in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the MLS pursuing the attacking midfielder.

Pompey are said to be keen on bringing their academy graduate back to Fratton Park.

The possibility of Swift scoring against West Brom next season will send a shiver down the spine of Albion supporters, and could leave the hierarchy red-faced after allowing him to walk out the door.

West Brom did the right thing when allowing Swift to leave

Despite Swift having some outstanding seasons in the Championship, with his last at Reading and first at West Brom accumulating 17 goals and 22 assists combined, it was ultimately time to cut ties.

Swift was heavily criticised by the Albion fanbase last campaign, with the majority happy to see the back of him.

Getting a fee for him would have been welcomed and could have been reinvested into West Brom’s new transfer targets.

However, keeping Swift could have turned into a toxic problem that Mason does not need to face in his first season at The Hawthorns.

Let’s just hope it doesn’t hurt West Brom in the future.