Coventry star Thomas-Asante reacts as Portsmouth complete signing

Portsmouth have confirmed the signing of former Chelsea and West Brom man John Swift.

The 30-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Fratton Park after leaving the Baggies at the end of the season following the expiration of his contract.

Swift is Pompey’s second signing of the summer, following the confirmation of Adrian Segecic’s arrival from Australian team Sydney FC earlier in the summer.

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho.
Credit: Imago

Thomas-Asante sends message

Swift was born in Portsmouth and spent time in the club’s academy as a boy, before leaving for Premier League club Chelsea.

He would go on to make a senior appearance for the Blues, before eventually joining Reading.

The Royals would be home for Swift for eight years, but following a season in which the midfielder scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists, he would depart for West Brom.

Whilst the 30-year-old failed to reach the same heights in the West Midlands, Swift provided a consistent option for the Baggies during his three years at the club and Portsmouth will hope the midfielder can do the same in blue.

John SwiftChampionship 2014-2025
Appearances335
Goals57
Assists50
Swift is a Championship staple

Following confirmation of his arrival, Swift’s former teammate, current Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante, took to social media to congratulate him.

Posting an eyes emoji followed by a home emoji, the former West Brom man said: “love it you”.

Thomas-Asante spent two years with Swift, joining with him in 2022, before joining Coventry last summer in a deal worth around £2.5million.

Swift will provide experience and quality

During his time in the Championship, Swift has repeatedly showcased his huge technical ability.

A masterful dribbler capable of finding a perfectly-weighted pass, or volleying a powerful strike from outside the box, the midfielder will provide an injection of quality at Fratton Park.

John Mousinho’s squad experienced a tough but stabilising first season back in the Championship, but further experience will be required if they want to progress up the table, rather than sink down it.

Swift will bring exactly that, the 30-year-old having spent time at both ends, and with more than 300 matches to his name in England’s second division, should be a well-received addition to the team.

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