Portsmouth are preparing for a busy transfer deadline day while reflecting on a weekend defeat that leaves them 15th in the Championship table. Manager John Mousinho told reporters the club's board is ready to sanction late moves, with the Blues having scored five goals but conceded six in their opening three games.
John Mousinho expects up to three new signings before the window closes. The manager highlighted the club's ability to react quickly to late opportunities, citing examples from the January window where the board gave swift approval for potential deals.
He stated that regular discussions are held with owners Michael and Eric Eisner through sporting director Andy Cullen and head of recruitment Rich Hughes. "We can convene a meeting very quickly and easily," Mousinho said. "They are unbelievably invested in the football club." The club must also manage departures to meet the EFL's 25-man squad limit for the Championship season.
Burton Albion forward Tyrese Shade remains a key target, though Pompey view his £2 million valuation as high for a player who was in the National League last year. A new full-back is also wanted, with Zak Swanson's versatility meaning an addition on either flank is possible.
There has been interest in Sheffield United's Rhys Norrington-Davies, but Blades boss Chris Wilder has indicated the Welsh international is part of his plans. Links to Liverpool's Luke Chambers have cooled, with the player set to stay at Anfield. Portsmouth also remain braced for a bid for their prime asset, Adrian Segečić, who is attracting interest from Birmingham City.
Portsmouth suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday. The hosts secured their first win of the season with goals from Lorent Tolaj and Jason Knight, leaving Pompey with a record of one win and two losses from their opening three fixtures.
Bristol City's Jason Knight was praised for his energetic display and a superb second-half header. Defender Rob Dickie earned credit for keeping Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop quiet, while left-back Rio Cardines provided the assist for Knight's goal. The result leaves Portsmouth six points behind early league leaders Charlton Athletic.
The squad is dealing with several absences as they prepare for their next Championship fixture. Connor Ogilvie, Franco Umeh, Jacob Farrell, Josef Bursik, Keshi Anderson, and Márk Kosznovszky are all currently sidelined through injury.
This impacts selection options for the upcoming match against Cardiff City at Fratton Park on September 5. Cardiff currently sit 13th in the table, two places and two points ahead of Portsmouth in the standings.
Attention now turns to the transfer deadline and the quick turnaround to the next league game. The club must finalise its squad by the 11pm deadline on Tuesday while integrating any new arrivals ahead of the Cardiff match.
Portsmouth will be looking to improve on their recent form, which reads loss-win-loss from the first three matches.
