Alfie Mawson

Brentford

A centre back, Mawson joined Brentford in the summer of 2010 on a two-year scholarship, having previously been part of Reading's youth system. He played for the Brentford youth team during the 2010–11 season. During the 2011–12 season, Mawson made 27 appearances for the Development Squad and took over the captaincy during the latter part of the campaign. In April 2012, Mawson signed a two-year professional contract at Brentford. He was included in the squad for the Bees' pre-season tour of Germany in July 2012, appearing in the opening match against ZFC Meuselwitz. Mawson suffered an injury-hit 2012–13 season and managed only 12 Development Squad appearances.

Mawson made his professional debut in a 5–0 League Cup second round defeat at Derby County in August 2013, replacing Sam Saunders after 73 minutes. He scored his first goal of the 2013–14 season with the opener in a 1–1 Professional Development League 2 South draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on 16 September 2013. He scored his second goal in a 4–1 defeat to Ipswich Town on 26 November and his third in the return fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on 27 January 2014. Mawson made 12 appearances and scored three goals for the Development Squad during the 2013–14 season, in addition to making one first team appearance. A torn meniscus in a Development Squad match ended Mawson's season early, prompting him to contemplate quitting football, before signing a new one-year deal on 5 June 2014. Mawson spent the entire 2014–15 season away on loan and after excelling, he was offered a new two-year contract in April 2015. He turned the deal down and departed Griffin Park when his contract expired on 30 June. An undisclosed compensation fee was agreed in February 2016.

Maidenhead United (loans)

Mawson signed for Conference South side Maidenhead United on a month's loan in December 2012, earning praise from manager Johnson Hippolyte for his performance on his debut in a 1–0 win against Truro City. Mawson returned to Brentford on 9 January 2013, before re-signing for Maidenhead United on loan for the rest of the season a month later. He made nine appearances during the 2012–13 season as Maidenhead narrowly avoided relegation. Mawson rejoined Maidenhead United for a third loan spell on 4 October 2013, which ran initially until 29 October and was later extended until 4 January 2014. Mawson was recalled from his loan early on 28 November after four appearances.

Luton Town (loan)

On 28 November 2013, Mawson moved on loan to Conference Premier side Luton Town until 4 January 2014, to cover for injuries to defenders Steve McNulty, Andy Parry, Alex Lacey and Anthony Charles. He made his debut in a 5–0 away league victory over Alfreton Town on 7 December, though was substituted for Joe Davis at half time due to an injury. He returned to Brentford on 10 January after making just one appearance.

Welling United (loan)

On 31 January 2014, Mawson joined Conference Premier side Welling United on loan until the end of the 2013–14 season. He made his debut with a start in a 1–1 draw at Tamworth on 22 February. Mawson scored his first Wings goal on his second appearance, heading home the second in a 2–0 win over Gateshead on 25 February. A knee injury disrupted Mawson's time at Welling and he returned to Brentford at the end of the season, having made 9 appearances and scored one goal.

Wycombe Wanderers (loan)

Mawson joined League Two side Wycombe Wanderers on a one-month youth loan on 9 August 2014, as cover for the injured Gary Doherty. Awarded the number 26 shirt, he made his Wycombe debut (the first Football League appearance of his career) on the opening day of the 2014–15 season, playing the full 90 minutes of a 2–0 win over Newport County alongside former Brentford teammate Aaron Pierre at centre back. After appearing in each of the Chairboys' first six matches of the season, Mawson's loan was extended until 1 January 2015. Mawson's 100% appearance record came to an end on his 19th appearance of the season, after suffering an injury in a 3–1 defeat to Burton Albion on 17 November. He returned to action on 29 November against Hartlepool United and capped the Chairboys' afternoon with the first league goal of his career in a 3–1 victory. His performance won him a place in the Football League Team of the Week.

On 3 January 2015 it was announced that Mawson's loan had been extended until the end of the season, including play-offs if required, with no recall clause. Mawson's three goals in four matches in March helped ensure Wycombe held onto the third automatic promotion place. He scored a vital winning goal in Wycombe's 2–1 victory over Cheltenham Town on 11 April, to end a run of successive defeats, which kept Wycombe four points clear of fourth-place Bury. Mawson's performance was recognised with his second inclusion of the season in the Football League Team of the Week. Mawson's 97th-minute winner in a 3–2 victory over Northampton Town on the final day was not enough to prevent the Chairboys from having to settle for fourth-place and a playoff semi-final matchup versus Plymouth Argyle, though his season ended in disappointment after a shootout defeat to Southend United in the final. He finished the 2014–15 season with 50 appearances and seven goals. Mawson swept the board at Wanderers' end-of-season awards ceremony, winning the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year awards, in addition to the Official Wycombe Wanderers Supporters Association's Player, Young Player and Away Travel Player of the Year awards. He also won the Wycombe Wanderers Independent Supporters' Club Player of the Year award. He finished third in the running for the League Two Player of the Year award.

Barnsley

On 30 June 2015, Mawson signed for League One club Barnsley on a three-year deal. He scored his first goal for the Reds in a 3–2 away win at Millwall. He impressed in his first season, scoring 7 goals from defence in 48 league matches (including playoffs), he played a big part in Barnsley's season, including beating Oxford United 3–2 to win the Johnstones Paint Trophy on 3 April 2016, and in earning promotion to the Championship after beating Millwall 3–1 in the playoff final.

Swansea City

On 30 August 2016, after just four league matches experience in the Football League Championship with Barnsley, Mawson signed for Premier League side Swansea City on a four-year deal worth £5.5 million, taking the number 6 shirt to replace club hero Ashley Williams. He made his full club debut on 22 October 2016 in the 0–0 draw against Watford in the Premier League where he was presented with a Man of the Match award for his work in defence. On 3 January 2017, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 win against Crystal Palace. On 31 January 2017, he scored his second goal for the club in a 2–1 win against Southampton. On 12 February 2017, two matches later, he scored his third goal for the club in a vital 2–0 win against Leicester City. He continued his goalscoring efforts with one goal against Hull City in a 2–1 loss in the Premier League.

Honours

Barnsley

Career statistics