Mousinho with more ‘irons in the fire’ as Portsmouth build Championship squad – BBC journalist
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has more “irons in the fire” for incoming arrivals at Fratton Park, according to Andrew Moon.
BBC broadcaster Moon shared a post on X [9 July] stating the Pompey boss is lining up further additions, with five players already secured – all on free or nominal transfers.
The club have been linked with some potentially exciting recruits as they shape up for their inaugural season back in the Championship, including what would be a poignant return for academy product Matt Ritchie.
Moon posted: “Pompey head coach John Mousinho tells me there [are] a good few ‘irons in the fire’ regarding further additions to the squad.”
Portsmouth in squad rebuild mission
Portsmouth are aware of the jump between League One and the Championship, despite an extended period of 12 years out of the top two divisions of the English pyramid.
Additionally, the opening seven fixtures of their league campaign are as tough as they come, starting with a trip to Leeds United in a month’s time – meaning squad additions are paramount.
Full-back and centre-midfield are two positions of maximum priority for the Blues, with Bolton Wanderers man Josh Dacres-Cogley revealed to be on the club’s radar, but the Trotters are demanding a £500,000 fee for the right-wing-back.
Mousinho is also in the precarious position of deciding which of last season’s promotion-winning squad can step up to the plate of making up the spine of the team in 2024-25, with Conor Shaughnessy among those rewarded with a new contract for a stellar season last time out.
A blend of youth, Championship experience and players on favourable contract terms for the club will make up the squad for this term at Fratton Park, with Mousinho taking on an unenviable at times but potentially rewarding task.
In other Portsmouth news, the club have secured a professional contract for one of its successful women’s players.
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