Swift set for West Brom return next month after unexpected transfer U-turn
John Swift has been linked with several clubs since being released by West Brom this summer.
The midfielder has been linked with moves to Turkey, Saudi Arabia and a host of Championship clubs.
However, he looks set for an emotional return to The Hawthorns imminently following the latest update about his future.
Swift will visit The Hawthorns in August as Portsmouth move nears
It appears as if West Brom’s Champions rivals Portsmouth are ready to offer Swift a contract.
The Daily Express (12 July) reports that Swift is having a medical on Saturday (12 July) and will be offered a two-year deal if he passes it. This deal will supposedly include the option to extend his stay for another 12 months.
If this deal is confirmed, Swift will reunite with West Brom fans sooner than expected. Pompey visit The Hawthorns on 23 August. That’s the Baggies’ third league game of the season.
It is considered a major U-turn as reports earlier this month suggested Portsmouth had ended their interest in signing Swift, supposedly due to his salary.
The midfielder can expect a frosty reception at that game if he starts for Pompey. Most West Brom fans believed Swift underperformed last season and were happy to see him leave the club.
West Brom were right to move on from Swift
West Brom are planning on targeting young and hungry players this summer.
We have already seen evidence of this strategy in action, following the signing of Norwegian striker Aube Heggebo. It’s a smart way to progress up the football ladder organically.
If Baggies fans agree with that, they should understand the decision not to offer Swift a new contract. With this strategy in mind. Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana were also released for similar reasons.
| John Swift West Brom statistics | |
| Signed | May 2022 |
| Appearances | 126 |
| Goals | 19 |
Ryan Mason will need to spend well to replace these stars, but it’s a strategy that should pay off in the long term.
If Swift signs for Pompey, he would likely be an automatic starter in that game against West Brom. He’ll be a good signing for them, a team trying to establish itself in the Championship. He’ll be able to help his teammates grind out results when the going gets tough.
Mason and his staff have bigger ambitions than that, and that’s why the decision was made to let Swift go.
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