Ryley Towler may consider leaving Portsmouth after what happened
John Mousinho named Ryley Towler on the substitutes’ bench for the Portsmouth clash against Preston on Saturday.
The centre-back has often been overlooked this season, making the starting eleven just 27 per cent of the time.
The Preston fixture at Deepdale, which ended in defeat, represented a good opportunity for him to start, but Mousinho had other ideas.
Portsmouth exit on the cards for Ryley Towler
Towler might contemplate leaving Fratton Park this summer due to manager Mousinho’s apparent lack of faith in him, as evidenced by his continued bench role in the recent match against Preston.
Despite Towler’s promising start after joining from Bristol City in January 2023, his limited game time under Mousinho suggests he’s not a priority in the Championship squad.
| Stats (Championship 2024/25) | Ryley Towler |
| Matches played | 12 |
| Goals scored | 1 |
| Minutes played | 934 |
| Yellow cards | 3 |
| Pass accuracy | 82.6% |
| Clearances per game | 4.4 |
The 22-year-old, contracted until summer 2026, has only made 12 Championship appearances this season, often overshadowed by Conor Shaughnessy, Regan Poole, and new signings like Rob Atkinson and Hayden Matthews.
His exclusion from the starting XI, despite a strong pre-season and fan support, highlights a pattern of being sidelined, as seen last season with just three League One starts.
League One switch could be on the cards for Ryley Towler
At 22, Towler needs regular minutes to develop, and Mousinho’s reluctance to trust him in key games, favouring makeshift solutions instead, could push him to seek a loan or permanent move.
League One clubs have been linked, offering a chance to play consistently, which aligns with his expressed desire to fight for his place but may wane if opportunities remain scarce.
If Mousinho continues to overlook him, Towler’s ambition and career progression might compel him to leave Portsmouth for a fresh start where his potential is better recognised.