Leeds United

Leeds United: Conor McGilligan backs signing of John Swift

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Image for Leeds United: Conor McGilligan backs signing of John Swift

Conor McGilligan has been speaking on the One Leeds Fan YouTube channel about why the club should look to sign John Swift.

Leeds United have struggled for a high volume of productivity in front of goal this season beyond star man Raphinha, who has five goals, while their second top scorer is Rodrigo with two goals – and one of those came from the penalty spot.

Will Leeds sell Raphinha in January?

Yes!

Yes!

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Marcelo Bielsa could do with adding someone with more creativity and spark to help ease the pressure off the Brazilian, and links have suggested that they could move for Reading’s Swift, who is out of contract in the summer. It’s clear to see why they’re interested, as he has eight goals and seven assists already in the league.

Having previously backed a move for the Royals midfielder, McGilligan has urged Leeds to sign Swift and spoke at length about why they should do so.

“I’ve watched this individual play a couple of times now, and he’d fit the system – John Swift. We’ve talked about him several times with summers gone by; he, for me is the perfect Leeds United signing.

“An absolute grafter, someone who’s worked his way up the football pyramid, someone who, for me, has the technical ability that would sort of replicate a Pablo Hernandez, a Samuel Saiz in tight pockets.

“Someone who is not afraid to drive at the defence; someone who is happy to pick the ball up in uncomfortable situations; someone who, when there’s a throw-in on the left, a throw-in on the right, will go and collect the ball; and then he’ll recover the ball, he’ll rotate – and I think that cycle is what Leeds are missing.

“He can be composed, but he can also be a complete threat. I think he can be mobilised in different positions.”

TIF Thoughts on Swift…

Leeds may have to move quickly in January if they want to sign Swift, given that Premier League rivals Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder – and this may not be solely down to the superb numbers he’s putting up, but his mental toughness, as he’s bounced back seamlessly from two serious hamstring injuries last season.

Swift operates through the middle for Reading, so considering they’re fighting at the wrong end of the Championship table and the 26-year old is still able to impress as much as he is this season, that is testament to his skill and ability to create chances and opportunities out of very little.

McGilligan compared him to Pablo Hernandez, who was labelled as a legend by the club during his last game, and it’s easy to see why because of how influential he was during their last two campaigns in the Championship, scoring 21 goals and registering 21 assists, while also lifting the league title in 2020.

So if Swift could come in and be even half the player Hernandez was for Leeds, then they would have some talent on their hands.

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