It was an easy and obvious choice for Pompey to pursue John Swift this summer.
That’s according to The News’ chief sports writer, Neil Allen, who firmly believes the 30-year-old midfielder is precisely the kind of signing John Mousinho’s side should be targeting in this transfer window.
Swift, a seasoned midfielder, is set to join the Blues after leaving West Brom at the end of last season.
SportzHighlights has learned that a deal is close, with Swift having completed a medical over the weekend.
The former Reading star brings much-needed depth to Mousinho’s midfield, where only Andre Dozzell and Marlon Pack are currently available, especially with Abdoulaye Kamara expected to leave Fratton Park this summer.
Swift’s move marks a homecoming nearly two decades in the making, having last been at PO4 as an 11-year-old before being released. With stints at Chelsea, Reading, and West Brom under his belt, the Gosport-born player now seems set for a meaningful return to the south coast.
Allen has described the move as a no-brainer, convinced that Swift’s quality and experience will make him a crucial asset in Pompey’s midfield.
Speaking on a bitesized episode of Pompey Talk, he said: ‘You’ve got to be encouraged by this signing. It’s a free transfer, hugely experienced player, quality player at this level. He’s not a gamble, he’s someone who can play in the here and now and strengthens the position which desperately needs strengthening.
‘John Mousinho said last week it was a priority to strengthen the midfield and he alluded to a signing coming in. He was clearly referring to John Swift.
‘You have to be encouraged by his background so it’s without a doubt a big plus on Pompey’s squad. He’s a goalscoring midfielder at this level, so much experience and would come straight into the team.
‘I think it’s a no-brainer. He’s got the natural affinity and affection for Pompey and the city. I think it’s a great move and we’ll see how it pans out on the pitch.
‘On the face of it, it’s a really decent signing. They’re primarily after a six and an eight. They want two players for every position and he can play both. I’d imagine they’d see him playing more as an eight but we shall see.
‘We all know Pompey haven’t signed enough players at this stage and it’s a bit concerning. They’re not the only club, a lot of clubs haven’t signed many players so Pompey aren’t the only ones.
‘Clearly at this stage, they need more than just Segecic through the door. Segecic will be a back up and coming off the bench because he’s a young lad finding his feet at this level. So they haven’t signed someone who can come straight into the team and play. This is what John Swift gives them.
‘He’ll need time to build up his fitness so Pompey will need to bring him up to speed a little bit. We’ll see if he features this week when it’s been officially announced.
‘I just think it’s a very encouraging signing, it’s what the first team needs and it’s what the squad needs because they’ve lost the likes of Potts, Hayden and they’re short in that position.
‘They still need more of course, but it’s not a queue. You sign whoever is available at that moment in time. Pompey still need wingers, a new striker, maybe at the centre of defence and they definitely need another central midfielder.’
