Finance expert reacts to ‘smart’ last-minute Rich Hughes transfer call at Portsmouth in summer
Portsmouth made a “smart” decision by exiting the last-minute transfer race for Abu Kamara this summer, according to football finance expert Dan Plumley.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Fratton Park but joined Hull City this summer with Pompey unable to afford the £4.5million transfer fee that their Championship rivals forked out for his services [Rich Hughes, 5 September].
Although Plumley understands fans will be frustrated that John Mousinho’s side missed out on a top target, he believes this transfer saga demonstrates the financial reality of being a newly promoted side.
“That’s absolutely the reality of it,” Plumley exclusively told Portsmouth News.
“If you look at the finances of that, even with the transfer fee of £4.5million Portsmouth will have looked at that and thought that’s not sustainable for where we’re at, at the minute.
“The Championship comes with additional benefits and the uplift in revenue for Portsmouth is going to be somewhere in the region of £7million to £10million and the top end if you can squeeze it.
“But a £4.5million transfer takes off half of that revenue increase already so there is a balance there and the reality of where they want to get to as an established Championship club, it is going to take a bit of time.
“At the minute, if you look at the kind of deal and the clubs that are in the mix, it’s through no fault of Portsmouth and that’s just the reality of the situation.
“Hull are just in a better positon financially as a club that’s been in the Championship for a few years and even the Premier League not so long ago.
“I know fans want signings and I know transfers are really important to strengthen the team, but for Portsmouth to look at that and think it’s not for them at this point in time is pretty smart in my eyes.”
Were Portsmouth close to completing Abu Kamara transfer at Fratton Park?
While Pompey supporters will of course be left frustrated that Hull beat them to Kamara’s signature, Mousinho’s side simply cannot afford to spend beyond their means as they look to establish themselves in the Championship.
If they manage to dodge relegation back into League One this term, maybe then they can begin to throw their money about in the transfer window and secure targets like Kamara next summer.
Portsmouth were clearly eager to bring in Kamara, and a deal appeared to be close from the outside looking in, but it was not to be and the club cannot dwell on it any more.
It may have been a slow start to the season for the club, but they have a squad capable of turning things around before long.
In other Portsmouth news, Ian Darke has backed one player to become a “future star” at the club.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.