Transfers Continue As Swift Joins Royals

By Hob Nob Anyone?

Reading have completed the signing of midfielder John Swift from Chelsea. The 21 year old player signs on a three year contract that can be extended to four years. Swift came through the Chelsea youth system after a spell at Portsmouth. He turned professional in 2014 at Chelsea before heading out on loan to Rotherham, Swindon and then finally Brentford last season. He enjoyed his best success at Brentford where he became a key first team player after his arrival in October 2015. He went on to make 28 appearances for the Bees, scoring seven goals before his loan spell finished at the end of the season.

Swift looks like a very bright home grown prospect and has played for all levels of the England team from Under 16 up to Under 21, making three appearances to date for the under 21s. Swift is expected to link up with the squad in Holland for pre-season training and could feature in Friday night's friendly.

From the Discussion

GE George_ 11 Jul 2016 · 12:11pm

Charles Watts: Reading are working on a deal to sign midfielder John Swift. The England Under-21 international is a free agent having come to the end of his contract with Chelsea. Several Championship clubs are looking to snap up the 21-year-old and getreading understands Royals are firmly in the race for his signature. The attacking midfielder spent last season on loan at Brentford, scoring seven goals in 28 games for the Bees. Swift, who can also operate on the left side of a front three, has been with Chelsea since 2007 and has progressed through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge.
RW royalp-we 11 Jul 2016 · 12:37pm

This is far more suited to our type of signing, championship experience, at an age to impress & similar to the Sidwell deal - fingers crossed.
LI linkenholtroyal 11 Jul 2016 · 12:38pm

tshibola out swift in, CM for CM 7 goals in 28 games, 21 years old and wont cost us a vast amount (payment for Chelsea for development. still leaves some money in the kitty for a good striker you would hope.
ON One8Seven1* 11 Jul 2016 · 12:45pm

This is far more suited to our type of signing, championship experience, at an age to impress & similar to the Sidwell deal - fingers crossed. These are the singings I like/miss.
GE genome 11 Jul 2016 · 12:58pm

Yup this would be an excellent signing. Can't help feel he'll go to Brentford though. Plus his name makes him sound like a secret agent, so I'm IN :!:
TH TheBaldOne 11 Jul 2016 · 1:19pm

Watts says Swift is likely to play on the left of the front three if he signs, which is a shame as I really wanted Fosu to nail down that spot . But Swift looks like a very decent player and highly though of, so hopefully can only be good for the club.
SU Sutekh 11 Jul 2016 · 1:39pm

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/02/11/joeswift2.jpg
TM tidus_mi2 11 Jul 2016 · 2:18pm

tshibola out swift in, CM for CM 7 goals in 28 games, 21 years old and wont cost us a vast amount (payment for Chelsea for development. still leaves some money in the kitty for a good striker you would hope. Doesn't compensation only happen if the signing happens through a bosman? As he's already released it should be completely free unless I'm wrong.

Read all the discussion →