View: Portsmouth must stand strong as Alex Robertson transfer update emerges
John Mousinho will no doubt be desperate to bring Alex Robertson back to Portsmouth.
The Manchester City youngster excelled while on loan at Fratton Park during the 2023/24 campaign.
That was up until his season was cut short after a hamstring injury he suffered in January which required surgery, and has kept him out of action since.
With just one year remaining on his deal at the Etihad Stadium, the 21-year-old will be eager to sort out his long-term future.
And Pompey are certainly keen to have him back at the club.
Speaking to The News (19 July), sporting director Rich Hughes said, “Robbo is a conversation we’ve been having all the way through with Manchester City.
“First and foremost, we have to completely respect he’s their player, he’s going into the last year of his contract, so there are a few different scenarios in play.
“I very much know that Robbo enjoyed his time at the football club and we very much enjoyed having Robbo, which is a very good starting point.
“But it’s still very early in the window, so it’s difficult to really have a definitive answer on it.”
However, it appears the club aren’t alone in their pursuit of the midfielder, and they could face competition from one of their brand-new Championship rivals.
According to Wales Online (18 July), Cardiff City have placed Robertson on a three-man transfer shortlist.
And Mousinho will be desperate for his side to win the race for the Australia international’s signature.
Portsmouth and Cardiff City set to battle for Alex Robertson
Robertson made 27 appearances for Portsmouth on loan, scoring one goal and providing four assists.
And after some of his performances for Pompey last season, fans at Fratton Park will no doubt be keen to welcome him back to the club.
Robertson was a consistent feature in Mosinho’s side up until his injury, averaging 1.7 shots, 1.3 key passes, 1.1 dribbles and winning 1.4 fouls per 90 minutes (WhoScored).
He also did a job defensively, making 1.2 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per match.
His average pass success rate of 81.8 per cent per 90 minutes was also impressive, and Mousinho will be desperate to have an all-round midfielder such as Robertson lining up for Portsmouth in the EFL Championship.
Perhaps one of his most impressive displays in the heart of midfield for Pompey came during the 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic at Fratton Park (11 November 2023).
Robertson didn’t provide a goal or assist that day, yet still shone, demonstrating just how good he is.
He managed three key passes while creating one big chance, completing 88 per cent of his overall passes that afternoon (Sofascore).
In addition, he completed two of his three dribbles and won eight ground duels, while making four clearances and four tackles.
It was an all-conquering display which emphasised the midfielder’s quality.
And as a result of his pre-existing relationship with the club, Mousinho will hope to lure him back to Fratton Park as Portsmouth prepare for their first Championship match since 2012.
In other Portsmouth news, the club are set for a financial boost as hospitality sales get underway.
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