West Bromwich Albion‘s John Swift has said he wants to be a player that can help push the Baggies forward and create plenty of chances for his teammates as they fight “for a shot at promotion” next season.
Swift joined West Brom on a free transfer last week, with his current deal at Reading due to expire this summer.
Now, speaking following his decision to swap Berkshire for the Midlands, Swift has offered an insight into what he can bring to Steve Bruce’s side next campaign.
“I would say that whether you’ve seen me play once or over 100 times, I always try and play the same way,” the 26-year-old said, via the Express & Star.
“My game is all about picking the ball up in dangerous areas of the pitch and trying to make things happen in an attacking sense.
“I always want the ball. I always want to dribble with the ball. I always want to try and create opportunities for me or my team-mates.
“I managed to get quite a few goals and assists last season at Reading and I’m focused on making sure I have another season where I manage to get plenty of both again.”
Swift continued: “You always want to try and improve as a player and I believe playing for Albion will help me do that.”
“I want to be a player who can help push this team forward and create plenty of opportunities in the final third of the pitch.”
Swift certainly had a fantastic campaign for his former club Reading in 2021/22, scoring 11 goals from midfield for the Royals.
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Those goals, along with 13 assists, came in 38 Championship appearances.
Looking towards next season further, Swift suggested that his ambitions are to win promotion.
“I’m really excited to come into this team and try to help it score more goals.” Swift added.
“When you look at the squad, there are some really, really, good players here.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of fighting all season for a shot at promotion.”
The Verdict
John Swift is an excellent signing to get done for Steve Bruce and West Bromwich Albion.
His goal and assist record in a struggling Reading side last season was excellent and if he can repeat those sorts of numbers this campaign, the Baggies would surely be right up there.
With Steve Bruce having previously admitted that there is not a big pot of money to spend this summer, free transfers that represent excellent value, such as this one, will likely be where the Baggies continue to target their recruitment.
They have also been linked with a move for Millwall’s Jed Wallace, whose contract is also expiring this summer, in recent weeks – do not be surprised if Swift is just the first of WBA’s free transfers this summer.
