Portsmouth are poised to make a splash in the summer transfer window by targeting Dutch goalkeeper Daniel Bielica. The 27‑year‑old, under contract until 2027 with NAC Breda, could provide the modern, ball‑playing option John Mousinho needs after a season of mixed results.

Who is Daniel Bielica?

Bielica arrived at Breda from Polish side Górnik Zabrze in June 2024 and has logged 66 appearances, keeping 11 clean sheets. He quickly became the first‑choice keeper under Carl Hoefkens, but two brief demotions saw his distribution questioned. Hoefkens later reinstated him after errors from stand‑in Kostas Lamprou, and a coaching change in May brought Rick van der Mast to work on Bielica’s ability to build from the back. His recent pre‑season error that led to a goal against FC Eindhoven has added pressure, but the Dutch side still values him, having rejected two £500,000 bids.

Why Portsmouth need a new keeper?

Portsmouth sit 18th in the Championship with 55 points from 46 games, recent form DWLWW, and have conceded 64 goals this season. Injuries have hit the department hard: Josef Bursik is out with a calf issue until at least the end of August, and veteran Jordan Archer left at season’s end. Austrian Nicolas Schmid remains the starter, but backup Ben Killip is the only fit option on the bench. The club’s recent 1‑1 draw with Birmingham on 2 May 2026 underlines the urgency to add a reliable shot‑stopper who can also act as a playmaker.

Can the move happen?

Breda’s refusal to accept two separate offers suggests they value Bielica highly, especially as they aim to dominate possession in the Dutch Eerste Divisie next season. However, the club’s contract runs until 2027, and the £500,000 figure reportedly floated by Portsmouth falls short of what Breda expects. A third, higher bid could tip the balance, but it would need to align with Breda’s ambition to develop a goalkeeper comfortable playing out from the back. Mousinho’s team is reportedly ready to increase their offer, aware that a modern keeper could lift the side out of the relegation zone.

What does the future hold?

If Portsmouth secure Bielica, he would join a squad that recently recorded 49 goals scored but 64 conceded, leaving a –15 goal difference. Strengthening the last line could help the club close the 40‑point gap to leaders Coventry and climb the table before the next fixture against Aldershot Town away on 15 July 2026. Even if the deal stalls, the pursuit signals Pompey’s intent to invest heavily this summer, aiming to avoid another season battling at the foot of the table.