Portsmouth are reportedly set to win the race to sign former West Brom midfielder John Swift on a free transfer.
Pompey are set for their second season in the Championship after surviving relegation last season, finishing 16th.
Manager John Mousinho may hope to build on last season’s survival and climb up the table.
Portsmouth have already started making moves this summer, signing Sydney FC winger Adrian Segecic on a three-year deal.
It seems now, Mousinho’s side are set to make their second signing of the window in former academy midfielder John Swift.
Swift spent three years at West Brom following a move from Reading in 2022 on a free transfer.
Portsmouth close in on Swift reunion.
According to the Express, Portsmouth are set to win the race to sign former West Brom midfielder John Swift.
The 30-year-old reportedly had interest from a host of clubs, including sides from Germany, Scotland and England.
The midfielder is set to have a medical with Pompey today after his contract at the Baggies expired in June.
Swift will reportedly sign a two-year deal with the option to extend it for a further year.
How did Swift fare last season?
Swift struggled to make as much of an impact for the Baggies as he did the previous two seasons, as West Brom missed out on the play-offs.
The 30-year-old made 36 appearances last season in the Championship, scoring three goals and assisting once.
The former Reading midfielder played only once in cup competitions, starting in a 5-1 loss to Bournemouth in the FA Cup.
Overall, Swift struggled to make an impact for the Baggies, playing 37 times in all competitions, scoring three times and assisting once.
Is this a good signing for Portsmouth?
It was an impressive first season back in the Championship for Portsmouth as they survived relegation and finished the campaign in 16th.
Manager John Mousinho may be hoping his side can carry on from last season and climb up the table and solidify themselves in the league. However, if they want to do this, they may need to strengthen their squad.
They have already begun preparations for the new season by signing Adrian Segecic from Sydney FC. Now, they seem set to make their second signing of the window in former academy player John Swift.
Swift would join Pompey with 10 seasons of Championship experience, making 335 appearances and getting over 100 goal contributions.
This experience in the second tier could be a valuable asset for Portsmouth to have, as it means he knows the league well, which could make it easier for him to hit the ground running at Pompey.
Swift can play as a centre midfielder as well as an attacking midfielder. This gives Mousinho the chance to operate him in different roles and allow him to rotate his side for fitness or tactical reasons.
Swift has also shown his ability on the ball throughout his time in the Championship. Last season, Swift ranked highest in the league for passes completed per 90 (60.22), passes into the final third per 90 (5.94) and progressive passes per 90 (7.44).
This passing range could be a quality asset for Mousinho to have for the upcoming season. It gives him a midfielder capable of picking out a pass and creating dangerous chances for his teammates.
This could be a very good signing for Portsmouth, as they would be getting an experienced ball-playing midfielder on a free transfer who can strengthen the midfield.