Stoke City and Derby County have both opened talks with John Swift following confirmation that the midfielder will depart West Bromwich Albion this summer, sources have told us.
Swift, 29, is set to become a free agent after failing to agree terms on a new contract with the Baggies. The creative midfielder, who joined West Brom from Reading in 2022, is now weighing up his next move with several Championship and ambitious League One clubs monitoring his situation. However, Stoke and newly-promoted Derby have emerged as the frontrunners.
Both clubs are believed to have held early discussions with Swift’s representatives in recent days. Stoke are eager to reinforce their midfield with more creativity after a disappointing campaign in the Championship, where they narrowly avoided relegation. New manager Steven Schumacher is known to admire Swift’s vision, set-piece delivery, and technical quality—attributes he sees as vital to revitalizing the Potters’ attack.
Derby, meanwhile, are back in the Championship after securing automatic promotion from League One under Paul Warne. The Rams are targeting experienced second-tier players who can make an immediate impact, and Swift fits the bill perfectly. Derby believe their project, combined with the lure of regular football and the chance to be a central figure in a rising team, could be enough to convince the former Chelsea academy product.
Swift made 79 appearances for West Brom over two seasons, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists. Known for his calmness on the ball and ability to unlock defences, he played a key role in helping the Baggies reach the Championship play-offs in 2024, although they ultimately fell short in the semi-finals.
While Swift has also attracted interest from clubs abroad and in the lower reaches of the Premier League, a move to either Stoke or Derby would likely guarantee him a starring role and consistent minutes—something he is reportedly prioritizing at this stage of his career.
A decision on his future is expected in the coming weeks as pre-season preparations get underway. Both Stoke and Derby are hopeful of securing his signature before their squads depart for summer training camps.
For now, the race for John Swift is heating up—and the Potters and the Rams are leading the chase.
