West Brom ace John Swift future takes fresh twist amid Portsmouth decision
John Swift will be leaving West Brom at the end of June as his contract at The Hawthorns is set to expire.
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder is understood to have a host of options available to him as he is looking for a new club.
Swift spent three years at West Brom after he moved there from Reading back in 2022.
Portsmouth will not be signing Swift this summer
Swift appears set to bypass a potential return to Portsmouth, despite his early ties to the club, according to The News.
The 29-year-old had shown interest in rejoining his boyhood side, where he played before moving to Chelsea.
However, sources indicate Pompey are not actively pursuing a deal, dimming hopes of a Fratton Park homecoming.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 202 | 34 | 37 |
| West Brom | 126 | 19 | 12 |
| Brentford | 28 | 7 | 4 |
| Swindon Town | 19 | 2 | 3 |
| Rotherham | 4 | – | – |
| Chelsea | 1 | – | – |
Swift has attracted attention from multiple Championship clubs, alongside offers from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the MLS.
With discussions between Swift and Portsmouth failing to progress, he is now poised to explore these alternative options, aiming to finalise his next move before July.
Despite his local connections and desire for a return, the former Reading star’s future likely lies elsewhere, with multiple second-tier teams vying for his signature.
West Brom must now rope in a quality replacement for Swift
West Brom will aim to replace Swift with a high-calibre attacking midfielder who mirrors his creativity, goal-scoring ability and Championship experience.
His 126 appearances, 19 goals and 12 assists for The Hawthorns outfit highlight the need for a versatile playmaker who can dictate tempo, deliver key passes, and contribute offensively.
The ideal candidate would be a proven second-tier performer, aged 25-30, with a track record of double-digit goal involvements, similar to Swift’s 34 goals and 37 assists at Reading.
Ryan Mason will likely target a dynamic, technically adept player, possibly from a rival Championship club or a relegated Premier League side, to maintain their promotion push.
A free agent or affordable transfer would align with their budget-conscious strategy.
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