An official club photo of Albion midfielder John Swift for the 2023/24 season
Swift
John
Swift
19
Position
Midfielder
Shoots
Right
Born
23/06/1995
Nationality
England
Bio

John joined the Baggies on a three-year-deal following the expiration of his contract at Reading in May 2022.

He made his Albion debut against Middlesbrough on July 30, 2022, scoring the equalising goal during a 1-1 draw.

"Swifty" was the Baggies' standout creative force for chances during his maiden campaign at The Hawthorns, as well as contributing 17 goal involvements (seven goals, ten assists) from 48 outings in the navy-blue-and-white stripes of Albion. 

Swift, who enjoyed a stellar footballing education at Chelsea, has vast experience competing in England’s second tier - having amassed over 215 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship during his career to date.

The central midfielder adds creativity to Albion’s attacking ranks and having played eight seasons of Championship football prior to his move to B71, John has the numbers to back up his ability with 79 direct goal involvements (39 goals, 40 assists) in over 200 appearances at this level.

Portsmouth-born, Swift’s early development saw him feature at local sides in Fareham and Eastleigh, before a move to Portsmouth’s youth setup in 2005 helped him catch the eye of other onlooking clubs. Despite initially being released following his first stint at Chelsea as a schoolboy, John earned himself another opportunity at Stamford Bridge following a successful trial in 2007.

Swift’s academy years in west London saw him achieve success with the Blues, playing his part in their 2012 FA Youth Cup triumph before being rewarded with his first professional deal on a four-year contract in July 2012.

His involvement in a very successful Chelsea first tam began during the 2013/14 campaign for the promising midfielder, and John made his senior debut for the club as a late substitute under José Mourinho during a 2-1 win over Cardiff in May 2014.

But Swift had to forge his own path in the senior game and loan moves to Rotherham, Swindon and Brentford between 2014-16 certainly helped the creative spark establish himself in English football.

Good form during his loan moves meant Swift gained opportunities to represent England’s U20 and 21s squads, having already featured at 16, 17, 18 and 19s level for the Young Lions.

And John's rise through the divisions wasn't ignored by second-tier Reading, who went on to provide the midfielder with over six years of Championship football. He contributed 72 direct goal involvements in more than 200 appearances for the Royals.