Portsmouth Transfer Update: Mousinho on Ceesay, Waddingham, and Arthur

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho discusses the transfer collapse of Jesper Ceesay and the injury setbacks of Thomas Waddingham and Franco Umeh, while also highlighting the signing of Benjamin Arthur.

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has revealed transfer and injury setbacks, with their move to sign midfielder Jesper Ceesay now off. Pompey had agreed to sign Ceesay from Turkish club Antalyaspor but issues with his work permit mean that deal is now off. It comes as a blow for the Portsmouth boss, who is keen on adding a defensive midfielder to his squad with alternative options now being assessed.

What happened?

Pompey had agreed to sign Ceesay from Turkish club Antalyaspor but issues with his work permit mean that deal is now off. Mousinho has revealed that the club is now assessing alternative options to strengthen their defensive midfield.

Why it matters for Portsmouth

The collapse of the Ceesay transfer is a significant blow for Portsmouth, who are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. Mousinho has stated that the club is now looking at alternative options to strengthen their defensive midfield.

What comes next?

Portsmouth will now focus on finding alternative options to strengthen their defensive midfield. Mousinho has stated that the club is keen on adding a defensive midfielder to their squad, and will now assess alternative options.

In more positive news, Mousinho has bolstered his defence with the signing of central defender Benjamin Arthur on a season-long loan from Brentford. "We're thrilled to bring Benjamin here for the season to boost our defensive ranks," Mousinho said. "He possesses all the attributes you expect of a centre-back and is also more than comfortable with the ball at his feet. Despite his relatively young age, he already has experience of top-flight football and we feel he can be a real asset as we look to progress in our third season in the Championship.

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. Goals this season: 49 scored, 64 conceded (-15 goal difference). Title race: 40 points behind leaders Coventry. Next fixture: vs Norwich (at home, 2027-01-16) (9th in the table).