Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has confirmed plans for a late transfer spree before the window closes on Tuesday night. He told portsmouth.co.uk the club is actively seeking three new additions, but player exits are required first to meet EFL regulations.
Mousinho stated the club is "short" and needs reinforcements. His comments come with Portsmouth sitting 15th in the Championship after three games, having taken three points from one win and two losses. They have scored five goals but conceded six, leaving them with a negative goal difference early in the campaign. The next test is a home match against Derby County on September 1st, a chance to improve their league position.
What positions are Portsmouth targeting?
John Mousinho's primary targets are a new full-back and a flexible attacking option. For the defensive role, Liverpool's Luke Chambers and Sheffield United's Rhys Norrington-Davies are names that have been linked with a move to Fratton Park. In attack, Burton Albion forward Tyrese Shade is reportedly a key figure in Portsmouth's thoughts. However, the club's football operation views Burton's reported £2 million valuation as excessive for a player with only one season of third-tier experience, having stepped up from the National League with Eastleigh.
How will Portsmouth create space for signings?
Portsmouth must work within the EFL's 25-man squad rules for the Championship. The club currently has 29 players counting towards that total, meaning several departures are necessary. Eight contracted under-21 players do not count towards the limit. Defender Josh Knight has already joined League One side Reading on loan for the season. Other players likely to move on or be deregistered include Hayden Matthews, Harvey Blair, Luke Le Roux, and goalkeeper Josef Bursik. There is talk of AFC Wimbledon being keen on Bursik, who is eager for regular football, though Mousinho said he was not aware of that specific interest at the moment.
What is the situation with Adrian Segečić?
A potential late departure could influence Portsmouth's incoming business. Birmingham City are reportedly eyeing a move for Adrian Segečić, who was the club's top scorer last season and is described as a prized asset. Mousinho indicated the club would be ready to react if a significant offer materialises for the attacker in the final hours of the window. Any sale would likely free up funds and a squad place for a replacement.
What happens next for Portsmouth?
The immediate focus is on managing the squad ahead of the deadline. Mousinho acknowledged there is "going to be a bit of movement" regarding exits. The club's activity in the market is also set against a backdrop of several injury concerns. Players currently sidelined include K. Anderson, J. Bursik, J. Farrell, M. Kosznovszky, J. Murphy, and C. Ogilvie, as detailed on our injuries page. Balancing the squad while addressing these absences will be key. Fans can track the club's league progress on our standings page and view the full roster on the squad list. The final days of the window promise to be busy at Fratton Park as Mousinho works to shape his group for the challenges of the Championship season.
