Portsmouth fans are getting excited as they prepare to return to Championship football after a 12-year absence from the second division.
John Mousinho’s squad dominated League One last season and will be expected to hold their own despite the move up in grade.
With multiple high-quality options at his disposal, the 38-year-old will aim for more than a season of consolidation.
Pompey stand to profit from taking a proactive approach to their summer transfer window. Mousinho has economically strengthened his promotion-winning side by signing Josh Murphy, Jordan Archer, and Jordan Williams on free transfers.
While the Blues have been cautious throughout the window, it is claimed that owners Tornante are willing to support a spending frenzy, and a flurry of late acquisitions may yet be in the works.
As the Championship season approaches, Football League World has identified two agreements Portsmouth is likely to complete before the 2024-25 season begins.
In: Tino Anjorin
Tino Anjorin’s return has been a top priority for John Mousinho.
The brilliant 22-year-old joined Pompey on a season-long loan from Chelsea last August and had flashes of brilliance despite his injury-plagued season.
Portsmouth were handed a dreadful setback in November when Anjorin tore his hamstring, forcing him to miss five months of action.
Although the youngster’s serious injury curtailed his role to the club’s successful promotion campaign, he returned to the starting lineup in excellent condition and impressed near the end of the season.
His ability to hit the ground running after a lengthy absence seems to have caught the eye. Portsmouth are expected to take a chance on his fitness by launching a bid to sign the attacker before the new campaign begins.
The powerful attacking midfielder could be an important asset for Mousinho in the Championship. While Anjorin is technically gifted with an eye for goal, he is equally tenacious and hard-working; his defensive qualities will be needed as Portsmouth adjust to the step-up in class.
Out: Anthony Scully
Anthony Scully should not settle for another year on the sidelines and must push for a Portsmouth exit this summer, with limited hope of seeing regular playing time at Fratton Park.
When Pompey picked up the Irish winger 11 months ago, the signing appeared to be a major coup. Unfortunately, the attacker sustained ligament damage to his left knee on debut against Bristol Rovers and was unable to play his way back into the starting fold.
While it is unlikely that Scully will be given the game time to acclimatise to the Championship, his proven track record in the third tier could motivate a lower-league side to overlook his injury issues.
At 25, Scully should move in search of minutes and accelerate his return to first-team football. If he is to stay at Portsmouth for a further season, this campaign could quickly pass him by.
Although Mousinho has asserted that the attacker will have the opportunity to force his way into the team, Murphy’s arrival from Oxford will reduce the number of chances Scully gets, and his prospective move would alleviate a burden weighing on both the club and the player.
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