Portsmouth eye move for Austrian goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid – report
Portsmouth are looking to boost their ranks this month with a move for Blau-Weiss Linz goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid, according to Laola1.
The Austrian publication reported [12 August] that Pompey have identified Schmid as a potential new recruit, who would challenge Will Norris and Jordan Archer as the club’s senior goalkeepers.
Schmid, 27, has been at his current club BW Linz since 2019, making 131 appearances [The News, 13 August] and last season was the team’s number one as he helped them gain promotion to the Austrian Bundesliga.
Portsmouth chase Austrian top-flight ‘keeper
Following reports that Portsmouth are seeking to work on a deal to sign Schmid from BW Linz, it creates a debate on how the pecking order for Blues goalkeepers could pan out.
Norris may have conceded three goals but was to thank for several hair-raising moments against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, as he looks to prove his worth in the Championship.
Archer is currently second-choice and has experience of the league most notably with Millwall and he may face his former side on Tuesday night if John Mousinho elects to rotate his team for the Carabao Cup first-round tie at Fratton Park.
A deal for Schmid would throw the cat amongst the pigeons with Linz keen to keep hold of him, as they embark on a season at the highest level in Austria against the likes of RB Salzburg, Rapid Vienna and Sturm Graz.
The ‘keeper would surely want assurances of game time in the Championship, as we wait to see how a deal may develop.
Rich Hughes had previously told of how he wanted a third-choice stopper in the ranks following Toby Steward’s departure on loan, but the experienced Schmid is unlikely to settle for that rank in the squad.
In other Portsmouth news, Mousinho explains why Sam Silvera had to come off at half-time at Leeds.
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