Portsmouth's attempts to sign Gambia midfielder Jesper Ceesay have fallen through after the player was denied a governing body endorsement (GBE) visa by the FA. The 24-year-old, who plays for Turkish side Antalyaspor, was a summer target for Pompey as they looked to bolster their midfield, but a technicality left them unable to complete the transfer.
What happened?
The FA issues a GBE to players from abroad with a 15-point threshold and clubs are then allowed four 'elite significant contribution' (ESC) slots for players who are not granted this endorsement. Pompey were hopeful Ceesay would qualify for a full GBE but the FA's reclassification of the Turkish top-flight league means he falls short of that threshold.
Why it matters for Portsmouth
"That (transfer) is not one that we're going to be able to do," Pompey boss John Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent. "It's because of the reclassification of the Turkish league by the FA. It's frustrating as that change came in July and the points that you accumulate from previously playing in a top league are no longer valid unfortunately."
What comes next?
Portsmouth begin their Championship season on Saturday with a home game against QPR and have been dealt some tough injury news before the opener. Striker Thomas Waddingham had to be substituted just moments after coming on during Saturday's Carabao Cup match against West Ham United after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge. Mousinho revealed the Australian striker may need to undergo surgery.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 18th in Championship, 55 pts, 14W-13D-19L from 46 games, recent form DWLWW.
Injury update
Mousinho also revealed striker Franco Umeh has torn his hamstring and is facing a "significant period" on the sidelines. Defender Conor Ogilvie is still some time away from returning but Marlon Pack and Josh Murphy have been back in training and hope to make it back for Pompey's second league game of the season at Lincoln on 22 August.
Goals this season: 49 scored, 64 conceded (-15 goal difference). Title race: 40 points behind leaders Coventry. Last result: Portsmouth 1-1 Birmingham (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 2W-2D-1L (DDWWL, most recent first). Next fixture: vs Cardiff (at home, 2026-09-05).
