Portsmouth ‘to repeat Pack trick’ as former player open to Fratton Park return
Portsmouth are aiming to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window, and could repeat some previously successful deals.
Pompey secured survival in the Championship after their historic return, and will now aim to add more experience and quality to help them push up the table.
John Mousinho has built the best Portsmouth side in over a decade, and he was helped by some former players returning.
Marlon Pack and Matt Ritchie both returned after long spells away in recent years, and another Pompey-connected player could follow suit this summer.
John Swift wants Portsmouth return
John Swift came through the ranks at Portsmouth as a Gosport local, before joining Chelsea as a youngster, but he is now keen on a return.
The News (12 June) have now reported that Swift, who recently left West Brom on a free transfer, is open to joining Portsmouth this summer, despite interest from clubs in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the USA.
| Season | Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 45 | 3.216′ | 6 | 9 |
| 2023/24 | 37 | 1.862′ | 9 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | 36 | 1.741′ | 3 | 1 |
Swift could even be willing to take a paycut to return to his hometown to finally play for Portsmouth, having left before making a first-team appearance.
The 29-year-old has bags of Championship experience and could be an excellent addition for Mousinho’s side.
Portsmouth can bring another former player back
Pack has enjoyed a fruitful three years since returning to Portsmouth, and the veteran has been a vital asset as he has made 41 appearances this season.
Ritchie has been inconsistent at times, but having a player of his experience return to the club was helpful as Portsmouth adjusted to life in the Championship.
Swift clearly has unfinished business at his local club, and a return could see him play in a variety of midfield positions, providing a creative midfield spark, and with 335 Championship appearances under his belt, he would arrive as a key leader in the squad.
The midfielder has seen Ritchie and Pack welcomed by the fans at Fratton Park, and now wants to follow suit and finally put on the famous blue shirt at a high level.