Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has acknowledged the club has not yet achieved a major profit from buying and selling players, a growing financial priority under new league regulations. The Blues boss highlighted the retained value in squad members like Terry Devlin and Adrian Segečić, who attracted interest this year but remain at Fratton Park.
Wrexham made a bid for Devlin in January, which was turned down, while Birmingham City considered Segečić before looking elsewhere. Mousinho pointed to Callum Lang as a near-example, signed for a fee and later sold for a larger sum, but noted the scale was not major. He said, referring to the model of buying low and selling high for significant gain, "We haven’t properly done that yet."
He cited Christian Saydee and Ryley Towler as players who moved on for more than Portsmouth paid, but stressed the need for bigger deals. He added, "They didn’t fundamentally change the money we’ve got coming into the football club, whereas a couple of the assets we have in the club now may do that."
The context is the Championship's incoming Squad Cost Rule, which will cap spending at a percentage of revenue. Forecasts suggest Portsmouth are close to the ceiling, making player trading profits vital for reinvestment. Mousinho stated, "Financially it helps as well, that’s a big thing. Within the financial restrictions if you get a lot of money for a player you haven’t spent a lot on it does help because you can reinvest it."
Portsmouth, currently in the Championship, face Blackburn Rovers at home next. Their recent form shows a mix of results from the last five outings. The team's current position reflects a challenging start.
Mousinho described Devlin, signed from Ireland, as a really good example of someone you take a bit of punt on. He confirmed the club was open to selling Segečić or Devlin this summer had suitable bids arrived, but is content they stayed. He said, "We’re glad there wasn’t in the end, but there’s that possibility." The manager's focus is on the immediate challenge, with a squad missing several players ahead of Saturday's match against Blackburn.
The original report is at portsmouth.co.uk
