Portsmouth plans could have ‘changed massively’ after Will Norris transfer saga
Will Norris will always be fondly remembered by Portsmouth fans, by and large for his superb contribution in the promotion season from League One.
The 2023-24 hero kept 19 league clean sheets during the rip-roaring campaign and began life in the Championship with some bittersweet personal performances before Nicolas Schmid was signed.
As a result, Norris was allowed to depart for free and terminated his contract on Deadline Day, moving to another third-tier promotion hopeful in Wycombe Wanderers.
However, it could have been very different a few days prior, when Pompey and Barnsley agreed to let Norris move to Oakwell – a switch the stopper rejected (Andy Giddins).
The Yorkshire outfit had already signed Aston Villa keeper Joe Gauci on loan in January, though coincidentally allowed Ben Killip to move the other way to Fratton Park after Norris had gone to Adams Park – the traditional late-window merry-go-round in full flow.
Portsmouth transfer plans may have changed
Dan Plumley exclusively told Pompey News that could have hit any plans at Fratton Park, as fans questioned why Norris was allowed to mutually cut ties, ultimately denying them a fee.
The goalkeeper is experienced in League One and is considered a fair coup at that level, with his age of 31 around the prime years of a player between the sticks.
His replacement, Killip, had been a regular for Barnsley but only signed a deal until the end of the season and is unlikely to displace Schmid anytime soon.
Plumley, a football finance expert, admitted that with the market being so unpredictable, Portsmouth could have been hit hard in a bid to sign anyone else.
“Player X going out the door may enable a club to bring in Player Y, and we don’t often talk about the power a player has in a move – they can refuse.
“If you’re working in a short window and a move might not go through in time, you could be stuck in a window.
“It’s very unpredictable and would have altered Portsmouth’s plans, but they got it done in the end even if it meant losing out on a fee for Norris.”
Portsmouth goalkeeper situation at Fratton Park
It has been extensively spoken about around PO4 how John Mousinho can man-manage three experienced goalkeepers who all suspect they should be number one.
Schmid, Norris and Jordan Archer were the initial three, while now Norris has been replaced directly by Killip.
The 29-year-old had been a regular in League One so there has to be something at play which would tempt him towards the move – the fact his family are from near Mousinho in West London could be a factor, with Portsmouth considerably closer than Yorkshire.
But ultimately, they all want to play and have all shown impressive traits this season. Pompey forked out an undisclosed fee for Schmid to pluck him from Linz in the summer, and he has been established as the main man for now.
Mousinho now has increased competition throughout every position in his squad following what has been largely perceived as a positive transfer window.