Portsmouth have officially completed the signing of 22‑year‑old Marko Milovanovic from Almería, paying a €6m fee (about £5.1m) plus a 15% sell‑on clause, the club’s biggest outlay in nearly twenty years.
How did the deal unfold?
Fabrizio Romano broke the news on 5 July, confirming that all paperwork was signed and the transfer sealed. Milovanovic, who struggled at Almería and spent last season on loan at Alverca, arrived after netting nine goals in 31 Portuguese top‑flight games. His physical presence – 6ft 4in and strong hold‑up play – fits John Mousinho’s plan to add a focal point up front.
Why is Milovanovic important for Portsmouth?
The south‑coast side finished the 2025‑26 campaign in 18th place in the Championship, with 55 points from 46 games (14W‑13D‑19L) and a recent form of DWLWW. Scoring only 49 goals while conceding 64 left a –15 goal difference, highlighting the need for a proven striker. Milovanovic’s nine‑goal haul in Portugal suggests he can add the missing firepower, while his age promises resale value if he thrives.
What does this mean for the squad and the manager?
Mousinho, whose future has been the subject of speculation, now has a marquee signing to justify his tenure. The club’s owners have faced questions about ambition; this transfer signals a willingness to invest. Milovanovic will join pre‑season training immediately, giving him time to adapt before the next fixture – an away clash with Aldershot Town on 15 July.
When can fans expect to see him in action?
Portsmouth’s last result was a 1‑1 draw with Birmingham on 2 May 2026. With the season opener looming, Milovanovic should be match‑ready for the early games. If he replicates his Portuguese form, he could turn close defeats into wins, helping the team climb the table and close the 40‑point gap to leaders Coventry.
The signing marks a decisive step for Portsmouth as they aim to turn a precarious 18th‑place finish into a competitive campaign. Milovanovic’s arrival adds both immediate threat and long‑term upside, giving fans a tangible reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season.
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