Yesterday, it was revealed that Newcastle, Leeds and Wolves had all missed out on John Swift, after West Brom announced his arrival on a three-year deal.
What’s the story?
Well, despite interest from the Premier League, the 26-year-old has decided to stay in the Championship and team up with Steve Bruce at the Hawthorns.
Following January interest from the pair, Leeds and Wolves were presumably looking forward to the summer, when Swift would become a free agent.
Newcastle were also in that boat, as they considered a move in January.
However, the Premier League trio will have to look elsewhere for a cheap attacking midfielder, as Swift is now a Baggie.
It comes after the Portsmouth-born midfielder impressively scored 11 goals in 38 appearances for Reading this season, while also providing 13 assists.
Interestingly, Swift has been compared to Frank Lampard for the way in which he times his runs into the box, as well as his ability to finish chances.
Newcastle, Leeds and Wolves may have been sceptical
In our view, Eddie Howe, Jesse Marsch and Bruno Lage were probably wary of signing Swift due to his previous injury problems.
Last season, the Englishman missed 39 games due to a hamstring injury – in total, he was absent for 241 days, according to Transfermarkt.
In fairness, Swift did well to keep himself fit this term, although nowadays, many top sides hold reservations over committing to a deal, even due to historical injuries.
It was why Liverpool backed out of a deal for Nabil Fekir in 2018, after realising there was the potential of him suffering a serious knee injury in future.
Therefore, Newcastle, Leeds and Wolves may have been similarly sceptical.
Having said that, if Swift can stay fit for West Brom, then the Baggies have a gem of a player on their hands for next season.
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