Fratton Park, the long-term home of Portsmouth

Portsmouth eye move for Austrian goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid - report

Dan is a sports writer and broadcaster, who wrote for Breaking Media Limited's club sites including Pompey News between May 2024 and May 2025. Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with First Class Honours in Sports Journalism, Dan has worked with several EFL clubs, as well as with BBC Radio, talkSPORT and TNT Sports. He previously resided in Sydney, Australia, where he continued his career as a freelancer in various sports. Dan was born and raised in Portsmouth, comes from a Pompey-supporting family, and was in attendance at both of the club's FA Cup finals in 2008 and 2010.

Published on:

13 Aug 2024, 6:49 am

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.

Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes

Rich Hughes says Pompey want a few more signings through the door. Credit: Portsmouth FC - YouTube

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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Nicolas Schmid