Rich Hughes predicts number of signings needed by Portsmouth this summer
Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes has projected how many more signings the club need to make in the summer transfer window.
Speaking to The News [12 July], Hughes says Pompey are seeking “five or six” additional new faces to join up with John Mousinho’s squad.
Pompey have so far brought in five new players – all on free transfers or loans – and the quintet are currently all with the squad at a demanding warm-weather camp in Croatia this pre-season.
The sporting director told the city’s local newspaper: “We probably want around 5-6 new players across various positions.
“We know exactly what that looks like and have a hierarchy in terms of who we want to bring in and the knock-on effects on other things, so it will probably be around that number.”
Portsmouth identify positions required
Hughes has gone on to identify which positions Portsmouth need to reassess and strengthen – and where they are already in good supply.
He and new head of recruitment Brad Wall are now leading the transfer process with Mousinho returning primarily to the coaching side of this summer’s preparations.
Portsmouth are said to be seeking “a third-choice ‘keeper, a centre-half, a right-back, improving the centre of midfield, and a number 10.”
Asked if he felt the team needed an upgrade at left-back, Hughes denied this, claiming there are strong options beyond Connor Ogilvie including Jack Sparkes, and versatile centre-halves Conor Shaughnessy and Tom McIntyre.
Josh Murphy, Jordan Archer, Jordan Williams, Sam Silvera and Reuben Swann have so far signed terms with Pompey ahead of the Championship return.
In other Portsmouth news, a Pompey reference was made after Ollie Watkins’ England heroics at Euro 2024.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.