West Bromwich Albion have certainly been financially hamstrung in recent years, which is what has led to an expenditure of just £1.21m this summer.
Only two of the players brought in were for a fee, with the rest being free transfers.
Was John Swift West Brom’s best transfer this summer?
Yes
No
That’s not to say that there wasn’t some good business conducted however, with John Swift, in particular, opting to make the switch from Reading to the Hawthorns.
The busy central midfielder has impressed early on in his West Brom career, with Steve Bruce heavily reliant on his creativity for his toothless side.
Last season for the Royals he recorded a sensational 11 goals and 13 assists, so to bring this kind of proven Championship talent to his side for free marks incredible business.
The level of this business is further exacerbated by his current Transfermarkt valuation, which sits at £6.3m.
He has started this season in solid fashion too, scoring twice and assisting another two in an underwhelming Baggies outfit.
Having only scored 15 goals in ten league matches, five of which came in one game, West Brom are in desperate need of a goal scorer.
If they were to have one, which the injured Daryl Dike would likely have provided, then we could see Swift surpass the levels he reached for Reading.
Journalist Josh Bunting was full of praise for this piece of business, labelling him a “brilliant signing” who is “capable of playing in the Premier League.”
He also went on to call him a “lovely technical player”, which he would have to be to play at the level he sees him at.
Even back in 2016, Tom Barclay thought he was a “talent”, and he now seems to be proving it on a big stage.
With aspirations of a return to the top flight, Swift will surely be instrumental if Bruce is to steer his side towards promotion.
However, he will need some assistance, which their early-season form has suggested he will not receive. One win in their opening ten matches draws cause for concern.
Regardless, he will remain a smart piece of business for the club. It would just make it even sweeter if he could be given some added tools to help take the club where they want to go.
