Glasgow Rangers Eyeing Swoop For Championship Star

Rangers are weighing up a move for former West Bromwich Albion playmaker John Swift, but interest from south of the border could yet scupper their chances.

The 30-year-old midfielder is attracting serious attention from clubs in both England and Scotland following his release by the Baggies.

Rangers Target Swift Amid Five-Club Free Agent Scramble

According to an exclusive report by SportsBoom, Rangers are strongly considering a move for Swift, who is now available as a free agent after West Brom opted not to renew his contract.

However, the Scottish Premiership runners-up face stiff competition from the English Championship, with Norwich City, Derby County, Stoke City and Portsmouth all reportedly in the hunt for his signature. Given Swift’s pedigree and availability on a free, it’s no surprise he has become one of the most in-demand midfielders on the summer market.

Rangers are aiming to bolster their squad ahead of a European campaign under Russell Martin, and Swift’s technical quality and experience could be a valuable addition. His comfort in tight spaces, passing range and attacking output have made him a consistent threat at Championship level—attributes that could translate well to both the Scottish top flight and continental competition.

Swift’s Career: From Cobham to Championship Mainstay

A product of Chelsea’s Cobham academy, Swift never made a league appearance for the Blues but gained valuable experience during loan spells with Rotherham United, Swindon Town and Brentford. His 27-game stint with the Bees was a springboard for a permanent move to Reading in 2016.

Over six seasons at the Madejski Stadium, he became a mainstay in the Royals’ midfield, racking up 202 league appearances and 33 goals. His move to West Brom followed in 2022, where he initially impressed but later fell down the pecking order.

Now, Swift is believed to be open to a change of environment, and a move north to Glasgow could appeal. Rangers are expected to undergo changes this summer after finishing second to Celtic once again, and they will need depth and quality to compete across all fronts.

Site Opinion

For Rangers, this looks like an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. Swift is available without a fee, brings vast EFL experience, and fits the profile of a player who can thrive in a possession-based, attacking system. While concerns over his recent game time may give pause, the reality is that he would walk into most Scottish Premiership midfields.

The bigger question is whether Rangers can fend off the lure of regular football in the Championship, where several clubs may offer him a more guaranteed role. Ultimately, Swift’s decision could come down to ambition—European football at Ibrox or familiarity in England. Either way, this is one of the more intriguing transfer races of the summer.