Portsmouth outmuscled financially amid Alex Robertson Cardiff City transfer news – David Norris
Former Portsmouth man David Norris admits Alex Robertson heading to Cardiff City rather than Portsmouth could be a smart career decision.
Despite Pompey being open about their desire to bring the Australian international back to Fratton Park following last season’s loan, Cardiff have swooped in to seal a move worth up to £3m [WalesOnline, 5 August] with the player considered Erol Bulut’s primary target.
Robertson has now undergone a medical in South Wales and is expected to be unveiled on Tuesday, disappointing many Portsmouth fans.
Norris thinks Robertson may have made the right decision for his own career and thinks there is also the strong possibility that Pompey were outmuscled financially by the Bluebirds.
“I think firstly, the manager at Cardiff has his way of changing how they want to play, which could be exciting for him as a young player,” the ex-Blues midfielder exclusively told Pompey News.
“Obviously then there’s the financial side – I can see Cardiff offering a decent wage although I can’t be certain. I feel their budget can stretch a bit further given the fee as well.
“My biased opinion is certainly different, especially where Robertson has already experienced how the city is, how the fans are and what it means – but in terms of a balanced look at it for his career, I think he might have made the right decision.”
Portsmouth switch to other targets after Robertson snub
Portsmouth may be disappointed not to land Robertson – particularly to a Championship rival – but there is no time to dwell on missing out on transfer targets.
The club have done well to get the deal done for most recent signing Andre Dozzell, whose move was completed pretty much under the radar – almost a dying art these days.
Dozzell provides much-needed midfield cover with only Marlon Pack and Owen Moxon beyond him ready to start in the middle of the park for John Mousinho at present.
Another central player will be needed as the Blues gradually bulk out their squad with Championship experience whilst looking not to break the bank.
Robertson clearly has ability and at times glided through League One last year but some Pompey fans online have dealt pretty easily with the blow, claiming £3m would be an almighty risk by the board – given that the Socceroo has not played since sustaining an injury for the club back in January.
Portsmouth next meet the Bluebirds – and potentially Robertson – at the Cardiff City Stadium on 22 October.
In other Portsmouth news, Mousinho gives an update on Josh Murphy’s ankle injury.
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