Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has praised a former QPR star who was allowed to leave for free.

Andre Dozzell, a former QPR midfielder, has been tipped to become a Premier League star after being released as a free agent last year.

The R’s may be regretting their decision from last year after Pompey manager John Mousinho praised the 26-year-old. Dozzell arrived at Fratton Park after a failed trial at Sheffield United, having spent the latter part of the 2023/24 season on loan at Birmingham City.

QPR signed the midfielder from Ipswich Town in June 2021, and he went on to play 98 games for the club. Dozzell was named Ipswich Town’s Young Player of the Year in 2016 and previously represented England at the under-20 level.

Former QPR midfielder tipped for Premier League

Dozzell appeared 39 times for Portsmouth in the Championship last season and was described as having ‘Premier League potential’ by Mousinho when he joined the club. According to The News, Mousinho has reiterated his claim.

He stated, “You can see it (Premier League potential), but the most important thing for Andre is to bring consistent top performance. We see it every day in training, and I believe we saw it during the second half of the season.

“He’s been a standout player in a new role, which was probably a step up from being a six.” He brings a lot of energy to his game and has the ability to add goals. He scored two goals and has the potential for many more because he is a good finisher who arrives late in the box.

“There is that potential in Andre, but I also believe that was the best I’ve seen him play consistently over a season in many years, if not his entire career. So I’m really looking forward to the next season.

“Early in the season, the game may have passed him by, so it’s about him taking the game by the scruff of the neck, getting the ball, driving forward, and dominating games – as we believe he is capable of doing. He’s not the biggest player, but he can move around and win tackles. When he puts it all together, he’s a fantastic player.”

Dozzell initially signed a one-year contract at Fratton Park, but Portsmouth retained and have now exercised the option for an additional 12 months. When the midfielder left Loftus Road last summer, CEO Christian Nourry stated: “Andre played an important role for the football club in the first half of the season and we will forever be grateful for his contributions.”

“In January, a difficult decision was made based on the club’s financial realities and other market priorities, in order to provide Andre with more starting football opportunities. We wish him all the best in the future.

Watford consider a loan move to Chelsea

Watford are reportedly interested in bringing Chelsea’s rising star Caleb Wiley back to Vicarage Road next season. The 20-year-old spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan with the Hornets, making 10 appearances.

The United States international is set to return to Stamford Bridge and is under contract with Chelsea until 2031. He moved to the Premier League club from Atlanta United last summer for a reported £8.5 million.

Wiley has yet to appear for the Chelsea first team, having spent the first half of the season on loan at Strasbourg before being recalled and transferred to Watford. According to West London Sport, the Championship team hopes to retain the player for the following season.

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