What Portsmouth’s dream transfer window looks like as Blues prepare to kickstart summer recruitment drive.
Pompey anticipates another hectic summer of recruitment as the transfer window prepares to open.
Pompey will be able to formally sign players on Sunday, when the first of two summer transfer windows opens.
The Blues have a lot of work to do if they are to reshuffle their ranks adequately to build on last season’s 16th-place finish on their long-awaited return to the Championship.
By the beginning of July, 11 players will have left the club, leaving sports director Rich Hughes with significant work to do in preparation for the 2025-26 season.
However, with numerous other first-team squad players’ fates in jeopardy, there is an urgent need to begin restocking the stock.
It is unclear when this will occur or what it will look like. In the interim, here’s what the Blues would consider their ideal transfer scenario before the main summer window closes at 7pm on Monday, September 1.
goalkeeping department and defence
Despite their evident defensive issues from last season, Pompey are unlikely to undergo extensive surgery in that area this summer.
The Blues are poised to part ways with Ryley Towler and Tom McIntyre over the close season, so a new centre-back might be their only defensive purchase.
Former loanee Rob Atkinson is their top aim, either on another loan or on a permanent basis. And if he does make a welcome return to Fratton Park, there will be stiff competition in the centre area, with Conor Shaughnessy, Regan Poole, Hayden Matthews, and Ibane Bowat all fighting for two starting spots – assuming they stay healthy.
Given the ongoing…
presence of Jordan Williams, Zak Swanson and Terry Devlin.
Meanwhile, with Connor Ogilvie showing he’s a more-than-capable Championship performer and Jacob Farrell expected to report back for pre-season fit after nearly 10 months out, Pompey are well stocked on the left as well.
Of course, much will depend on Farrell’s fitness and Pompey’s ability to avoid any setbacks on his recovery path. If he succeeds, Towler and McIntyre’s sales will be the only other firm the Blues pursue in this area.
In terms of goalkeeping, Nicolas Schmid remains the Blues’ unquestioned number one. Ben Killip and Jordan Archer have been offered contracts to improve competition. This should allow high-rated youngster Toby Steward to find another Football League loan after his good term at Crawley Town.
Portsmouth’s midfield
Freddie Potts established himself as a firm Fratton favourite during his loan spell at Fratton Park.
Pompey will likely aim to improve the midfield this summer.
Freddie Potts’ return to parent club West Ham, where he is anticipated to compete for a first-team spot next season, creates a significant gap in the Blues’ engine room. Meanwhile, the loss of fellow loanee Isaac Hayden will be lamented, given the expertise he provided to the position during the second half of the season.
Andre Dozzell’s new deal, signed after Pompey remained in the Championship, is a nice boost, as the former QPR and Ipswich midfielder’s importance grew throughout the course of the previous season.
However, with Marlon Pack’s effect there waning and Abdoulaye Kamara’s game seeming a long way off during his first season at Fratton Park, a serious rethink is required ahead of the new season.
In the ideal world. Pompey will look to sign two front-line midfielders with the strength, dynamism, energy, and work ethic to help them compete more regularly in the Championship next season.
A third player might be brought in if Kamara is allowed to depart, either on loan or permanently.
Attacking midfield and wings.
Pompey’s support for their preferred central striker is of high quality, thanks to Josh Murphy and Callum Lang. When fit last season, both supplied the Blues’ attacking style with energy, zest, class, and regularity, contributing significantly to the team’s safety.
Matt Ritchie’s contributions during the season should certainly not be overlooked. However, when these players are removed, Pompey lack the depth required to trouble Championship defences.
Christian Saydee and Paddy Lane are reliable and devoted players. But can they terrorise defensive lines at this level? That is questionable.
Pompey will be looking to fill these roles in the coming weeks and months, and Mousinho is willing to make some harsh decisions to assist the recruitment he believes is necessary.
Fans should expect at least four new signings here, including a new front-line right-winger, as the Blues look to have the ammo to keep the goals coming in the Championship next season.
Striker
Pompey will search for a new striker this summer, regardless of whether Kusini Yengi’s exit comes as a surprise.
Colby Bishop will remain first choice – subject to fitness and performance, of course. However, as in other attacking areas, there is a need for serious backup.
With a proper Pompey pre-season, January acquisition Thomas Waddingham should be able to provide that in more abundance this season.
However, starting the season with only two strikers would be a massive error, which is why the Blues need to sign two more players for this position.
A permanent signing is likely, with Pompey prepared to pay in order to acquire the talent needed. Meanwhile, another loan will supplement those possibilities, with the Blues hoping to improve on former loanee Mark O’Mahony.
For your next Pompey read: Portsmouth possibly avoided a managerial bullet as Liam Manning prepares to leave Bristol City for Norwich.
Leave a Reply