Leeds United have been recommended to sign John Swift during the January transfer window by the analysts at Tifo Football.
Leeds have had a lot of problems this season, such as their injury issues and lack of goals, with only two players having more than three strikes in all competitions so far this season.
However, one of their bigger long-term issues has been their failure to replace Pablo Hernandez in the middle of midfield. The Spaniard was a key man to how Leeds set up under Marcelo Bielsa, best demonstrated by him racking up 21 goals and 23 assists under the Argentinian at Elland Road.
And one of the targets to replace Hernandez has been Swift, with reports linking him with a move this window as the Whites look to make good on interest they’ve reportedly had in the Reading ace since 2019.
As part of their Sensible Transfers series on YouTube, Tifo broke down what Swift could bring to the team and why Leeds would be so eager to get him:
“Swift is out of contract in the summer, and if Reading are to receive a fee for him, January is the time. Swift, described in The Athletic as ‘a down-to-earth, quiet character’ would fit in well at Leeds with his excellent work ethic and a lack of superstar status.
“Swift is a technically excellent footballer with a great set-piece delivery, the ability to beat a man despite not being the fastest, and he’s really stepped up a level physically this season.
“At 26 years old, he’s hitting his prime and has shown a consistent desire to develop and improve since leaving the Chelsea youth system in 2016.
“So far this season, he has eight goals and nine assists for the Royals, and although he’s used as a central midfielder in a three, he often pops up in wide or advanced central areas to take chances to shoot. Technical, creative and with a quick footballing brain that means he finds space, Swift could be the answer to Leeds’ creative problems.”
TIF Thoughts on Tifo’s comments about John Swift and Leeds United…
Should Leeds United Sign John Swift?
Yes
No
The main concern over signing Swift would be whether or not he would be able to make the step up from the Championship to the Premier League. Barring a one-minute cameo appearance during his time at Chelsea, he hasn’t otherwise played at the top level during his career.
And whilst he has been doing well this season, it might be a big ask for him to be asked to perform to those levels in the division straight away, especially if Leeds United’s place in the Premier League is hanging in the balance further down the line.
Whilst Swift does look promising, he is someone that Leeds need to be very careful with if they bring him in, especially if he’s a player they believe could make or break their season moving forward.
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