View: Portsmouth could regret Joe Morrell decision amid QPR transfer links
Portsmouth may regret not arranging an alternative deal with midfielder Joe Morrell, with EFL clubs from as high as the Championship interested in a free transfer.
As shared on X by Phil Cadden [17 June], Morrell is the subject of attention from Birmingham City, Wrexham and Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers, who will face Portsmouth twice next season.
Portsmouth had first refusal on a contract extension for the Welsh international, who has made 37 appearances for his nation, but declined the option on both him and Zak Swanson – instead looking to negotiate a different deal.
Portsmouth may regret losing Joe Morrell
Portsmouth supporters’ opinions on whether the club should have extended Morrell’s current terms have been split, and there are statistics which prop up both sides of the argument.
The 27-year-old made 27 appearances in Pompey’s triumphant League One season, scoring no goals and with one assist [Soccerway] – but Morrell’s contribution tends to be as a deeper-lying central player.
Breaking up play and picking a pass out have been the primary objectives of Morrell’s impact, with the midfielder averaging five ball recoveries per league game last season, keeping play ticking with a 93 per cent pass accuracy in his own half and an impressive 82 per cent in the opposing half [Sofascore].
An excellent transition player for John Mousinho, Morrell did star with an average Sofascore match rating of 7.0 or higher in each month between September and December, showing he can be a consistent presence, before injury denied him a match beyond January.
Reservations about the out-of-contract international are surrounding his discipline. Without a single red card before signing for Portsmouth in 2021, Morrell has picked up four whilst at Fratton Park, two of them last season alongside seven yellow cards [WhoScored] – something which may have swayed the club away from offering the same terms in the Championship.
Captain Marlon Pack has been prioritised for a new deal at Pompey over Morrell which is fully understandable, but the Welshman’s age profile and ability as a midfield anchor could make him an exciting proposition for a new club. Let’s just hope this is not one Portsmouth live to regret.
In other Portsmouth news, David Norris has shared what he thinks of Fratton Park as a place for footballers these days.
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