John Mousinho outlines Portsmouth transfer plans before August 30
John Mousinho has lifted the lid on how many players Portsmouth will potentially look to sign in the final few days of the transfer window.
The head coach believes he needs “probably a couple more” to help bolster his options, with the team looking a little threadbare following draws in each of the first three league games of the season.
Pompey have so far brought 12 new faces into their squad, with plenty departing over the summer as the club look to shape up for the Championship.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent’s Andy Moon after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough [24 August], Mousinho said: “I think we probably need to bring in a couple more, and we’re monitoring what maybe becomes available late.
“We feel a bit thin at the moment, but when everybody’s fit, we do have a good squad size and plenty of players. We have to be mindful of that as too big a squad makes it unmanageable, and players want to play football.
“It’s an interesting one to balance – for example, [Saturday] we have two frontline Championship centre-halves injured, and another ill.”
Portsmouth monitoring market closely
Mousinho, sporting director Rich Hughes and the Pompey scouting team will be busy in the market to scour for any potential additions, with the club very much open to business.
Outgoings also have not been ruled out, with a huge turnover on the playing side following promotion and funds spent in the past couple of weeks on some exciting talent.
The Blues boss also has the task of preparing his side for the final Championship contest before the international break, when table-toppers Sunderland come to Fratton Park next Saturday.
Pompey will need to continue to be at it against Regis Le Bris’ men, who have won all three of their opening fixtures without conceding a goal; Portsmouth have already shown their ability to score at this level, even when under the cosh, so it promises to be an intriguing game.
And it remains to be witnessed how the hosts next weekend line up in terms of any new faces.
In other Portsmouth news, Andre Dozzell shares how Mousinho sold him the move to the club.